1959

Setting-up by Kent County Council, through its Education Committee, of sub-committee to explore possibilities of Kent offering a site for a new university.

1960

Letter from Sponsors to University Grants Committee setting out Canterbury as good location.

1961

Principle of university in Kent accepted by Government.

1962

Acceptance by Sponsors of name of University of Kent at Canterbury and setting-up of Interim Committee.

1963

Site first taken over by the University.

1964

Transfer of Library from Station Road West to Beverley Farm.

First meeting of forerunner of Senate.

1965

Granting of the Royal Charter.

Opening of Eliot College.

Arrival of first undergraduates.

Transfer of Library to Eliot and Physics.

1966

Moving of Library to what is now the Maintenance Centre.

Opening of Rutherford College.

Start of UKC Radio.

Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication in the Cathedral.

Formal Installation of Princess Marina as Chancellor.

1967

Arrival of Letters Patent, granting arms, at the University.

Opening of Chemical Laboratory.

First T S Eliot Lectures given by W H Auden.

1968

Moving of Library to first stage of permanent home.

Opening of Keynes College.

Opening of Sports Hall.

Graduation of first intake of students.

Completion of Cornwallis Building.

Launch of FUSS (University Newsletter).

Memorial Service for Princess Marina.

1969