Edge Hill University granted the Freedom of Liverpool

Dec 29 2011 by Michael Byrne, Ormskirk Advertiser

EDGE Hill University has been honoured with the Freedom of the City of Liverpool at a ceremony, in recognition of 126 years of learning.

Vice-chancellor John Cater was in attendance as the university received the city's highest honour.

At the ceremony, Liverpool's Lord Mayor, Cllr Frank Prendergast, said: “I am delighted to be adding Edge Hill University to the Freedom Roll of Association. It is a great opportunity to recognise the contribution the university has made to training and education.”

Mayor Prendergast went on to say that many graduates go on to live and work in the city each year, either as teachers or in the health industry.

Originally founded as a teacher training college in 1885 with 41 female trainee teachers beginning their studies, the university has progressed to becoming a massive campus based centre of learning with over 25,000 students.

Dr Cater said: “This is a historic day for the university, and one of which we are very proud.Š

“From our founding in the city more than six generations ago to the education of over 3,000 Liverpool students today, Edge Hill University strongly values its heritage and is absolutely delighted to see these lasting ties acknowledged in the highest accolade the city can award.Š

“We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the city of our birth for many decades to come.”

The university operated in Liverpool for nearly 50 years before moving to its current location in Ormskirk.

Despite this move, the Ormskirk university has resisted frequent requests to change its name to reflect its new location, this is largely because of the value patrons place on heritage and the university’s continuing association with the city of Liverpool.