Vilicus Society

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The White Rose of York, sign of the Vilicus Society

As of 2007, the following entry is speculative and is grounded mostly in rumours and legends of the University of Edinburgh. For a long time, the Vilicus Society was thought fictional, however some historical accounts, recent activity and, in particular, occurrences at the University have led many to believe that the society may truly exist. If this is so, the society would have successfully remained almost entirely secret for over three hundred years.

The Vilicus Society is believed to have been founded c. 1689 by a group of Jacobite students at the University of Edinburgh.^[1] The society claimed to be the oldest dining society in the United Kingdom, predating the Phoenix Society of Brasenose College. While operational, the society was one of the most secretive of its kind in Europe.^[2] As such, little is known of the group, but it is thought that Archibald Cameron of Locheil, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, John Russell, 1st Earl Russell, and Henry Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston were members at one point.^[3]

Recent activities and alleged vandalism has led to the society being dubbed The Terror of New Town.^{[citation needed]}

The sign of the society is the White Rose of York, a symbol associated with the Jacobite movement.

[edit] Miscellaneous

'Vilicus' is the Latin for overseer or steward.

[edit] Notes

^ Buchan, Peter: "Letter: 1827 Nov. 20, Peterhead to David Laing, 49 South Bridge Street Edinburgh", 1827
^ Heckethorn, Charles William: "The Secret Societies of All Ages and Countries" Redway, 1897
^ Grant, J: "Cassel's Old and New Edinburgh", 1882

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