Medals seen for first time in 200 years

HAND-CRAFTED copper medals which were presented to Edinburgh University by a Russian princess were set to go on display today for the first time in more than 200 years.

By The Newsroom

Published 19th Apr 2010, 10:56 BST

Updated 19th Apr 2010, 12:41 BST

The display is being held to mark the opening of a new centre at the university that will advance research in the fields of Russian language and studies.

The 150 medals commemorate great Russians and events in Russian history and were donated by Princess Ekaterina Dashkova, from whom the centre takes its name.

The princess lived in Edinburgh from 1776 to 1782 while her son attended the university.

Included in the medals on display is one commemorating Prince Paul, later Tsar Paul I.

Edinburgh University Edinburgh