The symbol of the Imperial University

As a consequence of French rule in 1812, the University of Groningen became part of the Imperial University in Paris. Groningen was lucky: the French administration had actually been planning to keep only a single university in the Netherlands, Leiden. However, a French inspection committee was charmed by Groningen and concluded that it was very far from Leiden. The University Museum has a beadle's staff from that period.

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