Palatinate Purple: The History of Durham University's Official Colour
Every great institution is defined by its symbols, and for Durham University, nothing is more iconic than Palatinate Purple. As the first British university to adopt a specific "university colour" for its academic dress, Durham established a tradition that blends ecclesiastical authority, regional history, and academic identity.
The Origins of the Colour
The adoption of purple is deeply rooted in the role of William Van Mildert, the Bishop of Durham, who was instrumental in the university's foundation. Purple served as the episcopal colour (the traditional colour associated with bishops) and reflected the unique status of Durham County as a Palatinate. A Palatinate is a region where the local ruler, in this case the bishop, held civil authority similar to that of a monarch.
This authority remained in place until Bishop Van Mildert's death in 1836, at which point the Palatinate was separated from the See of Durham. Following this transition, the colour was adopted as a distinguishing characteristic of the university to honour Van Mildert, the last Bishop Count Palatine.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Anecdotes and Academic Adoption
The process of selecting the colour for the Master of Arts (MA) hood was not without debate. According to records by C.E. Whiting, the Revd Charles Whitley once proposed a combination of black and amber. However, this was rejected by the Senate to avoid the nickname "Durham Mustard," a nod to a local mustard factory and a popular saying that the city was famous for "old maids and mustard."
The resolution came when Mr. Telfair, the university tailor, presented a piece of a purple coat previously worn by Bishop Van Mildert. This fabric provided the inspiration for the MA hood's lining. Other accounts, such as those in The Gentleman's Magazine, suggest that Matthew Thompson, a local artist and herald, may have been the one to suggest using the purple of the Palatinate to ensure Durham's academic dress was distinct from those of Oxford and Cambridge.
Terminology and Variations
While now firmly established as purple, the terminology varied in the 19th century. Some records from the mid-1800s show the university tailor referring to the shade as "palatinate blue," even while acknowledging it was effectively a type of purple.
Expansion into Sport and Military Tradition
By the late 19th century, Palatinate Purple moved beyond academic robes and into the realm of athletics. The Durham University Boat Club adopted the colour for its uniform in 1877, featuring crossed oars and the letters "D.U.B.C." as a badge.
In 1883, the Durham University Cricket Club replaced its claret coats with Palatinate Purple coats featuring the "D.U.C.C." badge. The club implemented strict rules regarding these "colours," allowing the Captain and Committee to withdraw them from members who failed to comply with regulations. That same year, the Durham University Rugby Football Club adopted purple jerseys with scarlet badges for its first team.
The colour's significance even extended to military history. During the Battle of Britain, the flight crews of No. 607 (County of Durham) RAF Squadron wore mauve—identified as the County Palatinate colour—instead of the standard white flying overalls.
Key Facts
- First of its kind: Durham was the first British university to adopt an official university colour for academic dress.
- Ecclesiastical link: The colour is derived from the episcopal purple worn by the Bishops of Durham.
- Political significance: It represents Durham's historical status as a County Palatinate.
- The "Mustard" incident: Black and amber were rejected as MA hood colours to avoid being called "Durham Mustard."
- Military use: No. 607 Squadron RAF wore the colour during the Battle of Britain.
| Entity/Event | Year/Period | Application of Colour |
|---|---|---|
| MA Academic Hood | Early 19th Century | Lining of the hood |
| Boat Club | 1877 | Uniforms and badges |
| Cricket Club | 1883 | University Coat (replacing claret) |
| Rugby Football Club | 1883 | First team jerseys |
| No. 607 RAF Squadron | Battle of Britain | Flight crew overalls |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the colour called "Palatinate" purple?
It is named after the County Palatinate of Durham, a region where the Bishop of Durham held unique civil and administrative authority until 1836.
Who was William Van Mildert?
William Van Mildert was the Bishop of Durham and one of the founders of Durham University. His episcopal clothing served as the inspiration for the university's official colour.
Why wasn't black and amber chosen for the MA hood?
The Senate rejected black and amber because they feared the university would be mocked as "Durham Mustard," referencing a local factory and a common local saying.
Did the colour change over time?
While the colour remained fundamentally the same, it was occasionally referred to as "palatinate blue" by the university tailor in the mid-19th century, despite being a shade of purple.
How was the colour used in sports?
Starting in 1877, the Boat Club, Cricket Club, and Rugby Football Club all adopted Palatinate Purple for their uniforms and jerseys to create a unified university identity.