The Royal Agricultural University in Gloucestershire is celebrating its 180th birthday with a special open day.
Founded in 1845, the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester is taking part in the Heritage Open Days scheme which takes place across England.
The institution, which was originally founded as the Royal Agricultural College and officially gained university status in 2013, will be open from 11:00 – 16:00 BST.
Professor Mark Horton, the RAU’s pro-vice chancellor and well-known archaeologist and TV presenter, will be holding an archaeological dig on campus.
Prof Horton said: “The theme for this year’s Heritage Open Day is architecture.
“Since we turn 180 this year and have so much beautiful and historic architecture on our campus, we thought it would be really interesting to, literally, dig even further back.”
The dig will, led by Prof Horton and Prof Cassie Newland, will take place on the university’s croquet lawn throughout the course of the day.
Everyone – including adults and accompanied children – are invited to join in.
Prof Horton and Prof Newland will investigate the site of the Port Farm Fair that was held annually during the late 18th Century, as well as the site of the botanical gardens laid out in the 1850s.
In the afternoon Prof Horton will give a talk about the history of the RAU in the university’s historic barn, which dates back to the 16th century.
Guided tours of the Cirencester campus will also run throughout the course of the day, with an accessible route available for disabled access.
Graham Pollard, chief operating officer at the RAU, said: “As a university, we are always open to the public but these Heritage Open Days are a great opportunity for people to visit.
“This year we are especially delighted to be able to open our doors on 13th September which is exactly 180 years to the day since the very first 25 students arrived to start their studies at the Royal Agricultural College back in 1845.”