Nobleman George Keith, the 5th Earl Marischal, founded the New College in 1593. The school initially occupied buildings from a 15th century Franciscan Friary. The first new construction started in 1676 and extended into the 18th century. In 1858, it merged with King’s College to become the University of Aberdeen yet both campuses retained their old name. Most of the Marischal College buildings were leveled to accommodate the current buildings. The first phase (1837 – 1844) was the work of Archibald Simpson. The phase at the turn of the 20th century (1893 – 1906) was by celebrated architect Alexander Marshall Mackenzie. In 2011, most of Marischal College became the headquarters for the Aberdeen City Council. This photo shows the Mitchell Hall from the rear entrance.
