Trinity Student Pranks ─ A History of Mischief & Mayhem

Trinity College Dublin is famed for the intelligence and innovation of its students. However, not all the undergraduates have devoted their talents to academia; instead they spent their time devising ingenious and hilarious pranks to play on the unsuspecting dons. This fascinating volume recalls some of the greatest stunts, japes, and practical jokes in the College’s history, including: The 19th-century "Battle of Botany Bay," where the students led a daring, but brief, revolt against the Junior Dean; the exploits of the secret student societies the Knights of the Campaline and the Trinity Night Climbers; and the controversies stirred by the student satirical newspaper Piranha. This enthralling work will amaze and entertain in equal measure—and may well prove a source of inspiration for current students wishing to enliven their undergraduate days.

John Engle is a student in his fourth year at Trinity College Dublin. He is involved in various student publications including Piranha (the satirical newspaper) and Trinity News. He has also served on the committees of several student societies, including two of the College’s oldest, the Philosophical Society and the Historical Society.