Palatinate (colour)
Encyclopedia
Palatinate is a colour associated with the University of Durham (and with Newcastle University Medical School, this being the former medical school of Durham University.) A separate colour, 'Palatinate Blue', is derived from the Coat of Arms of the County of Durham. The name 'Palatinate' in both instances alludes to the historic status of Durham as a County Palatine
.
in the foundation of the University (purple being an episcopal
colour), as well as to the unique historical status of Bishops of Durham as Palatine
Earls. The following story, recounted in Whiting's history of the University of Durham, purports to explain precisely how this shade of purple came to be adopted as the University colour. (Whiting himself had heard it from a Canon Whitley, who had been Reader in Natural Philosophy during the early years of the University's existence (1833-55).)
"When the colour of the MA hood was discussed by Senate, he [Whitley] had proposed black and amber, but was outvoted on the grounds that people would call it 'Durham Mustard', a reference to the mustard factory then in existence in the city, and possibly to the popular saying that Durham was famous for 'old maids and mustard'. Mr Telfair, university tailor, afterwards produced a piece of a purple coat which had been worn by Bishop Van Mildert, and this colour was adopted for the MA hood."
and sporting colours
, both of which use a significantly paler shade than that specified below.
County Palatine of Durham
The County Palatine of Durham was an area in the North of England that was controlled by the Bishop of Durham.-Liberty of Durham:The territory was originally the Liberty of Durham under the control of the Bishop of Durham. The liberty was also known variously as the "Liberty of St Cuthbert's...
.
Origin
It is likely that the choice of purple as the University's colour relates to the key role played by the Bishop of DurhamWilliam Van Mildert
William Van Mildert was the last palatine Bishop of Durham , and one of the founders of the University of Durham...
in the foundation of the University (purple being an episcopal
Episcopal
Episcopal and episcopalian may refer to:*Bishop, an overseer in the Christian church*Episcopate, the see of a bishop – a diocese*Episcopal Church , any church with "Episcopal" in its name...
colour), as well as to the unique historical status of Bishops of Durham as Palatine
County palatine
A county palatine or palatinate is an area ruled by an hereditary nobleman possessing special authority and autonomy from the rest of a kingdom or empire. The name derives from the Latin adjective palatinus, "relating to the palace", from the noun palatium, "palace"...
Earls. The following story, recounted in Whiting's history of the University of Durham, purports to explain precisely how this shade of purple came to be adopted as the University colour. (Whiting himself had heard it from a Canon Whitley, who had been Reader in Natural Philosophy during the early years of the University's existence (1833-55).)
"When the colour of the MA hood was discussed by Senate, he [Whitley] had proposed black and amber, but was outvoted on the grounds that people would call it 'Durham Mustard', a reference to the mustard factory then in existence in the city, and possibly to the popular saying that Durham was famous for 'old maids and mustard'. Mr Telfair, university tailor, afterwards produced a piece of a purple coat which had been worn by Bishop Van Mildert, and this colour was adopted for the MA hood."
Colour data
The following data are somewhat open to question; in particular, the precise colour of Palatinate purple used by the University varies a good deal. Its most long-established usage is in the University's academic dressAcademic dress of Durham University
The academic dress of Durham University has many similarities with that of other older British universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. Most Durham colleges insist on gowns being worn on formal occasions, including matriculation and formal halls ; exceptions are Van Mildert, St Cuthbert's Society...
and sporting colours
Palatinate (award)
The University of Durham awards Palatinates to its athletes or former athletes who demonstrate the following qualities: 'Ability of a High Standard' , 'Service to a Club' and 'Attitude and Commitment'....
, both of which use a significantly paler shade than that specified below.
- Palatinate purple: PantonePantonePantone Inc. is a corporation headquartered in Carlstadt, New Jersey, USA. The company is best known for its Pantone Matching System , a proprietary color space...
number is 266. - Palatinate blue: closest PantonePantonePantone Inc. is a corporation headquartered in Carlstadt, New Jersey, USA. The company is best known for its Pantone Matching System , a proprietary color space...
number is 2728.