The University of Glasgow was established in 1451, making it one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world.

In 1460, the University of Glasgow received a grant of land from James, Lord Hamilton, on the east side of the High Street, immediately north of the Blackfriars Church, where it established its home for the next four hundred years.

In November 1475, the University of Glasgow received its first donations for the library from the University's chancellor, Bishop John Laing. The donations included a manuscript compendium of Aristotle and Pseudo-Aristotelian texts, as well as a paper volume of quaestiones.

A copy of Euclid's Elementa and other geometrical treatises dated 4th December 1480 is one of the few manuscript holdings of the Library that may have a connection with the early teaching of the University. Euclidean geometry was likely studied as part of the advanced Arts degree.

In 1482, the Regiomontanus Calendar from the Euing collection was in Venice. This calendar was cataloged as BD7-f.13 and was a part of the extensive library of William Euing, which contained around 20,000 volumes.

In 1556, the Rector, Andrew Hay, gifted a Bible which is now part of the Old Library collection, as indicated by the inscription on the title-page.

In 1577, the University of Glasgow underwent re-constitution along reformed Protestant lines under the guidance of Andrew Melville. This event, known as the Nova Erectio, marked a significant reformation within the university.

In 1578, the University of Glasgow received a significant donation of Greek books, including works by prominent authors like Plato, Plutarch, Strabo, Euclid, and Aristophanes. These books, mostly with Basel imprints, were donated by the humanist poet George Buchanan.

In 1581, James Boyd, the Bishop of Glasgow, bequeathed 48 volumes, supplementing the donation made by Buchanan.

In 1590, Mark Jameson, vicar of Kilspindy, donated six books on medicine and materia medica to the University, including works of Savonarola and Pietro d'Argelata. The volumes also contained Jameson's ownership inscriptions, annotations, and medical notes.

In 1603, James Beaton, the last Roman Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow, fled to France. Some of his books, including the work of Dionysius, had belonged to him.

In 1633, Slezer's view of the old college was depicted in Theatrum.

In 1637, Zachary Boyd, Minister of the Barony Church in Glasgow, and Dean of Faculty at the University of Glasgow, left his manuscripts, books, and a substantial amount of money to the University. This generous donation was intended to fund the construction of new buildings and create bursaries for students.

In 1670, John Snell donated the cover of Edmund Castell's Lexicon heptaglotton to the library.

In 1693, a general subscription was initiated to construct a common library within the College of Glasgow. King Charles I granted £200 for the project, which was eventually paid in 1654 by Oliver Cromwell. New buildings were constructed over several years to house the library collections.

No specific details were provided for the years 1703-1707 in the context of the Librarian or the special press at the University of Glasgow.

Teaching in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Glasgow started formally in 1714 with the revival of the Chair in the Practice of Medicine.

The Duke of Montrose, acting as Chancellor, directed the £500 gift from the Duke of Chandos to be used for the construction of a 'New Library' based on plans made in 1726.

James Watt conducted early experiments with steam power while working at the University.

Adam's 'New Library' was finished after the book presses were oiled and painted. Books were temporarily placed in the Professor's houses before being brought back to the new library in 1744.

James Moor assumed the role of Librarian at the University of Glasgow in 1746. He later became a Professor of Greek and Vice Rector in 1761.

Adam Smith returned to Glasgow in 1751 and started as a Professor of Logic, later transferring to the Chair of Moral Philosophy. He was a renowned economist, philosopher, and author of 'Theory of Moral Sentiments' and 'The Wealth of Nations'.

In 1757, the University of Glasgow built the Macfarlane Observatory and later established Scotland's first public museum, the Hunterian, becoming a center of the Scottish Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution.

By 1760, the library's collection had grown to around 6,000 items.

Thomas Muir was admitted as an advocate in 1787 after completing his education at the University of Glasgow in 1782. However, he was later expelled from the Faculty of Advocates in 1793 and convicted of sedition in the same year. He passed away in Chantilly on 27 September 1798.

In 1767, Semyon Efimovich Desnitsky, a Professor of Roman Law and Russian Jurisprudence at the University of Moscow, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree from the University of Glasgow.

In 1768, a portrait of Robert Simson was published in Glasgow as part of his works. Simson, a renowned Professor of Mathematics who passed away in 1760, left his valuable library to the University of Glasgow.

In 1769, James Watt's engineering work at the University of Glasgow resulted in a stable steam engine, contributing to the Industrial Revolution.

William Hunter, the distinguished anatomist and Physician Extraordinary to Queen Charlotte, left his collections to the University in 1783.

Archibald Arthur was appointed as Librarian for life in 1784 and later became a Professor of Moral Philosophy in 1796.

In 1791, the library stock in Glasgow reached around 20,000 items. A printed catalogue was published by the Foulis Press, compiled by Archibald.

Annan's photographs captured the interior of the Hunterian Museum in 1807, providing a glimpse into the museum's displays and architecture.

In 1828, an enlargement of the 'New Library' in Glasgow was completed, costing an additional £500.

In 1834, at the age of 10, William Thomson, later known as Lord Kelvin, started his studies at the University of Glasgow. This marked the beginning of his academic journey.

In 1840, the University of Glasgow became the first university in the UK to appoint a Professor of Engineering.

In 1846, at the age of 22, William Thomson, also known as Lord Kelvin, returned to the University of Glasgow and assumed the position of Chair of Natural Philosophy (Physics). He held this prestigious post for 53 years.

The Universities (Scotland) Act 1858 defines the rights and responsibilities of the chancellor, principal, and rector of the university. It establishes the framework for governance and executive administration within the university.

A plate depicting Tantallon Castle was added to Murray's collection in 1860, sourced from Oliver and Boyd's Scottish tourist guide.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Glasgow was established in 1862 as the independent Glasgow Veterinary College.

In 1870, the University of Glasgow relocated to a new greenfield site on Gilmorehill in the West End of the city. The campus was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the Gothic revival style, featuring buildings inspired by medieval architecture.

In 1874, a new building was constructed to house the staff dining rooms, telephone exchange, and a section of the Hunterian Museum. The building was described as well-lit and spacious, with provisions expected to last for the next fifty years.

In 1879, Gilbert Scott's son, Oldrid, completed the construction of Bute Hall at the University of Glasgow. The hall, named after John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute, serves as a venue for examinations and graduation ceremonies.

In 1887, a spire was added to the Gothic bell tower of the University of Glasgow's main building, bringing its total height to approximately 85 meters. The building, designed by Oldrid Scott, showcases a blend of Gothic design with modern Victorian construction techniques.

The Universities (Scotland) Act 1889 recognized the Glasgow University Students' Representative Council (SRC) as the legal representative body for students. The SRC is responsible for advocating students' interests to the university management, local and national government, and addressing health and welfare issues.

In 1892, Queen Margaret College, the only college for the higher education of women in Scotland, successfully merges with the University, achieving its goal of amalgamation.

The Faculty of Science at the University of Glasgow was established in 1893 by removing Chairs from the Faculties of Arts and Medicine.

In 1894, the University of Glasgow saw the completion of degrees by Scotland's first female medical graduates.

Sir William Ramsay, a graduate of the University of Glasgow, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1904 for his discovery of inert gases, which led to the establishment of a new group in the periodic table.

In 1914, John Logie Baird, the pioneer of television, starts his academic journey at the University.

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Glasgow was formally established in 1923, with engineering being taught at the university since 1840.

In 1927, William Ross Cunningham assumed the role of Librarian and Keeper of the Hunterian books and Manuscripts at the University.

The University Chapel, constructed as a memorial to the fallen in the First World War, was completed in 1929 and dedicated on 4 October.

In June 1933, Albert Einstein delivered the first Gibson Lecture at the University of Glasgow, focusing on his general theory of relativity. He was later awarded an honorary degree from the university.

In 1937, William Euing's collection of 5,000 music volumes was transferred to the Library. The collection was originally bequeathed to Anderson’s College.

In 1949, Glasgow graduate John Boyd Orr receives the Nobel Peace Prize for his groundbreaking scientific research in nutrition and his contributions to the United Nations.

The school of veterinary medicine, founded in 1862, relocated to a new campus in Garscube Estate in 1954, around two miles west of the main campus.

In 1955, the Glasgow University Union (GUU) won the Observer Mace, now known as the John Smith Memorial Mace. This debating championship victory marked the beginning of GUU's successful history in debating competitions.

In 1956, Sir John Stirling Maxwell's collection was bequeathed to the University. This collection was passed down by his son, Sir John Stirling Maxwell.

In 1957, the University of Glasgow became the first in Scotland to have an electronic computer.

In 1958, Glasgow Professor Ian Donald published the world's first ultrasound images of a foetus, marking a significant advancement in medical diagnostics. This pioneering work laid the foundation for the widespread use of ultrasound beyond obstetrics.

In 1959, the papers of the artist James McNeill Whistler, including over 6,000 letters, were donated to the University. These papers came with the bequest of Rosalind Birnie Philip.

The Stevenson Building on Gilmorehill was opened in 1961, providing students with fitness facilities, squash courts, sauna, and a swimming pool.

In 1965, the Glasgow University Union building at the eastern end of University Avenue was extended to provide additional facilities for students.

In 1966, a new refectory known as the Hub was opened adjacent to the library to accommodate the growing student population.

In 1974, professors Graham Teasdale and Bryan Jennett developed the Glasgow Coma Scale, a neurological scale used to assess the level of consciousness after a head injury.

The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Glasgow was formed in 1977 from Chairs in the Faculty of Arts.

A photo of library staff was taken in 1978 to commemorate the retirement of R.O. Mackenna, who served as the Librarian for twenty six years.

Since 1980, the University of Glasgow has retained separate male and female students' unions, which have admitted both sexes as full members. This unique structure has led to the existence of two independent students' unions, a sports association, and the students' representative council.

The Faculty of Law at the University of Glasgow was changed to the Faculty of Law and Financial Studies in 1984.

The West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study, led by Glasgow Professor James Shepherd in 1995, demonstrated the effectiveness of statins in reducing the risk of heart attacks. This groundbreaking research has led to the global use of statins as life-saving drugs.

The Faculty of Education at the University of Glasgow was formed in 1999 when the university merged with St Andrew's College of Education.

In 2000, the Faculty of Science at the University of Glasgow was divided to form the three Faculties of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Computing Science, Mathematics and Statistics (now Information and Mathematical Sciences), and Physical Sciences.

In October 2001, the century-old Bower Building, previously housing the university's botany department, was severely damaged by fire. After a major renovation costing £10.8 million, the building reopened in November 2004.

The Wolfson Medical School Building, featuring an award-winning glass-fronted atrium, was opened in 2002.

In 2003, Glasgow graduate Emma Richards achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first British woman to sail solo around the world. Her adventurous journey captured the world's attention and inspired many.

In 2004, Mordechai Vanunu was chosen as the Rector of the university, making history as the first time the university was left without a Rector due to lack of nominations. Despite being unable to attend due to restrictions by the Israeli government, Vanunu was elected to the position.

The former Hillhead Congregational Church was converted into a lecture theatre in 2005.

In 2006, Helen Durndell assumed the position of University Librarian after years of ongoing work on different levels of the library.

The Sir Alwyn Williams building, designed by Reiach and Hall, was completed in 2007, housing the School of Computing Science.

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), almost 70% of research at the university was in the top two categories, with eighteen subject areas rated top ten in the UK and fourteen subject areas rated the best in Scotland.

Sir Anton Muscatelli took over as the Principal of the University of Glasgow in October 2009, succeeding Sir Muir Russell. The Principal is responsible for the day-to-day management of the university.

On 1 August 2010, the University of Glasgow replaced its former faculties with a system of four larger Colleges to enhance interdisciplinary research and competitiveness.

In February 2011, students at the University of Glasgow reopened the old Hetherington Research Club building as the Free Hetherington. This social center served as a space for learning, lectures, and protests against the closure of the club.

Katherine Grainger, who completed an MPhil in 2001, received the World-Changing Alumni Award in 2012 at the University of Glasgow. Her remarkable achievements in the community, arts, sciences, or business were celebrated through this prestigious award.

In 2013, the University of Glasgow rose in the QS World University Rankings to 51st position.

The University of Glasgow became the first university in Europe to divest from fossil fuel companies in October 2014, following a 12-month campaign led by the Glasgow University Climate Action Society involving over 1,300 students.

In 2015, Glasgow University achieved a significant milestone by being ranked in the top 100 in both the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

In September 2016, Kelvin Hall was transformed into a new public space in partnership with various organizations, including the Hunterian Collections and Study Centre.

The Imaging Centre of Excellence (ICE) was inaugurated at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital on 29 March 2017, featuring a Clinical Innovation Zone for researchers and industry collaboration.

On April 21, 2021, Rita Rae, Lady Rae, a Scottish lawyer, judge, and former Senator of the College of Justice, was appointed as the Rector of the university after a decisive victory.

Dr. Ghassan Abu-Sittah became the current Rector of the university on April 11, 2024, after securing over 80% of the votes in the election.