Memorial Benches in St Andrews: How do memorial benches in St Andrews function as sites of public memory and community heritage?
December 2024
Authors: Elena Eid, Diana Monsó Cadena, Isabella Karmis, Alice Martin, Hollister May
Deputy Editor: Grace Risucci
Editor-in-Chief: Cadence Mak
Executive Summary
Monuments, such as memorial benches are often seen as static objects within urban or scenic environments, frequently overlooked.
In our article, we sought to challenge the theoretical thesis that monuments lack impactful interaction by employing empirical methods of historical research (case studies) and analysing survey results.
Despite challenges such as limited land availability and data gaps, initiatives like Open Benches underline the interest in these commemorative sites, blending physical and virtual community connections.
A case study of one memorial bench in St Andrews reveals that commemoration of alumni serves to generate cross-generational connections between previous and current students and an interest in the continuity and longevity of university traditions.
The memorial bench dedicated to two members of the ‘Class of 1972’ serves as a prompt from which observers can discover the continuing impact of alumni in St Andrews, in this case their contribution to the Wardlaw Scholarship.
The memorial benches serve as a unification point for the diverse population of St Andrews and our research hopes to raise appreciation towards their role in facilitating a strong community.