It was later purchased by the medical entrepreneur Thomas Holloway and so found its way into the Picture Gallery at what is now Royal Holloway, University of London. Around 1970, however, rumours began to circulate that it upset some students sitting exams and had even driven one mad. Hence the tradition shown here of covering it up with a Union flag while exams are in progress.
Send suggestions for this series on the treasures, oddities and curiosities owned by universities across the world to matthew.reisz@tsleducation.com.
Please
or to read this article.Register to continue
Get a month's unlimited access to THE content online. Just register and complete your career summary.
Registration is free and only takes a moment. Once registered you can read a total of 3 articles each month, plus:
- Sign up for the editor's highlights
- Receive World University Rankings news first
- Get job alerts, shortlist jobs and save job searches
- Participate in reader discussions and post comments
Subscribe
Or subscribe for unlimited access to:
- Unlimited access to news, views, insights & reviews
- Digital editions
- Digital access to THE’s university and college rankings analysis

Already registered or a current subscriber?