A legacy of learning: four family members, one alma mater

Between 1948 and 2022, four members of the Burton family studied at the University of Leeds.

We spoke to Austin Burton (Law LLB ’50) and his granddaughters Emily Burton (BA History and Spanish ’20) and Georgia Burton (BA French and Spanish ’22) about their time at Leeds.

From fountain pens to family legacy

Austin Burton began his studies at the School of Law in 1948, only three years after the end of the Second World War, and although he has difficulty recalling specific things from his time at University, Mr Burton remembers with humour that he wore a suit and tie to his lectures, used fountain pens and ink, and that a pencil with a sharpener and rubber was essential for note taking.

Mr Burton went on to become a solicitor in Leeds after completing his National Service in the Army.

In April 2022, Mr Burton returned to the University of Leeds to watch his granddaughter, Emily, graduate. He commented that while it had changed enormously since his time here, he fondly recognised Lyddon Terrace, which was the original home of the School of Law, and of course the famous Great Hall and the Parkinson Building.

Lyddon Terrace, the School of Law’s home for 54 years before its move to the Liberty Building in 2011, holds a special place in our history.

Going back to their roots

Mr Burton’s granddaughters, Emily and Georgia, were both aware of the family connection when they decided to apply to Leeds.

Emily commented, “I really wanted to go back to my roots as I had family in the Leeds area and wanted to be able to connect with my family whilst at Uni. I was excited to study in the same building that my grandmother also studied in the [Michael Sadler building].” Georgia added, “I also heard about life in Leeds from my father and my sister and, after hearing so many positive things, I didn’t think twice about my decision to apply!”.

Georgia graduated from the University of Leeds in 2022. Her degree ceremony took place in The Great Hall, where Mr Burton was present to see her graduate. It was a special moment, as Austin had also received his degree in the same place 72 years earlier, in 1950.

Mr Burton in The Great Hall on 12 July 2022 after Georgia’s degree ceremony.

Emily and Georgia’s grandmother and Austin’s wife, Joan “AUDREY” Burton, was also a student at University of Leeds in the late 70s, studying Russian with Arabic for her second BA degree and graduating in 1980. Later, she was awarded a PhD by the University of Manchester.  

I have loved being surrounded by so many young, creative, likeminded people.

Although their experiences at the University of Leeds will have been very different to those of their grandparents, Emily and Georgia were very glad that they followed in their footsteps to become Leeds students.

“I loved the atmosphere on campus, and really enjoyed meeting students from all over the world and all walks of life,” said Emily Burton.

Begin your own story at Leeds

Whether you're continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, the University of Leeds could be where your journey begins. Find out more about studying Law at the University of Leeds here.