W. David H. Sellar, Honorary Degree
On Wednesday 23 June, the University of Glasgow, in the magnificent surroundings of the Bute Hall, conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws on William David Hamilton Sellar M.V.O., former Lord Lyon King of Arms, sometime Senior Lecturer in the University of Edinburgh, and prominent legal historian. David Sellar has exerted great influence over the development of Scottish legal history, not only through his own work, but through his stimulation and encouragement of the work of others. He supported interdisciplinary work and brought a modern spirit to the study of the history of Scots law, placing it in a European context, and stressing the significance of culture and history. There can be no doubt but that David’s work helped create the current flourishing position of legal history in Scotland.
The laureation address was given by Professor Mark Godfrey, who outlined some of the highlights of David Sellar’s career, and stressed the significance of his work and its developments. Closer to home, David was Founding Director of our Centre for Legal History.
David Sellar, Professor Ernest Metzger, and Professor John Finlay: a trio of distinguished legal historians, photographed by a fourth, Professor Mark Godfrey. Below, the Bute Hall before the ceremony, with doctorandus honoris causa Sellar already on the platform (Click either to enlarge (both courtesy of Professor Mark Godfrey).)
For more photos, please go to:
Professor Godfrey’s address can be read by clicking on the link below: