Bath University is proud of its history and has dedicated the website with a host of images that reflect 40 years of educational excellence.

The University of Bath has launched a website as part of the celebrations to mark its 40th anniversary this year.

The website gives a chronological history of the University, from its origins in Bristol to its position today as one of the UK's top ten universities.

The website encourages staff and students, both past and present, and local residents to take a trip down memory lane through photographs and the personal memories of those who watched a university being created, not just with bricks but ambitions and ideas too.

It traces the development of the University's teaching and research, its students and its sport, as well as its international and business links.

There is a gallery of photographs and an events listing, including details of public lectures.

A 40th anniversary booklet has also been issued giving details of the University's development since 1966.

Anyone standing on Claverton Down 40 years ago would have needed great vision to see what the scattered buildings and muddy fields would become.

The founders of the University of Bath had just that vision and the University today must exceed their highest hopes.

Those students who browse the website from the comfort of their bedrooms on campus today will be interested to hear the memories of Rod Dowdell, one of the first people to study on the campus, before student residences were built.

He remembers: "A colleague, John, was growing roses in the middle of winter for research so his laboratory was always well-lit and warm, with heated peat beds. I often came across John sleeping in those peat beds - they were a lot warmer than his digs in town."

University was a life-changing experience in every way for Michael and Jenny Harries who met on campus and were married in 1967. Michael remembers: "My over-riding memory of that time is the feeling of being on the cusp of something new. It was a time of transition and we were all in it together."

The University would like to hear the memories of people who were involved in the early days on campus, many of whom have remained in the area.

The site can be seen at: www.bath.ac.uk/marketing/40. Those who want to pass these on can do so by clicking the send your memories link on the site or email comms@bath.ac.uk, or call Claire Hornshaw, publications and press officer on 01225 386319.