Church History of Britain

SECTION IV.

1. OVer into England about this time first came the Mystery of Printing; but when first brought to Cambridge, it is uncertain. Only I hope, I may without Offence report what I have read in the Oracle of our English Law: This University of Cambridge hath power to print within the same omnes and omnimodos Libros; which the University of Oxford hath not.

2. True it is, it was a great while before Cambridge could find out the right knack of Printing; and therefore they preferred to employ Londoners therein. Thus I find a book of Robert Alyntons, called Sophistica principia, printed at London by Wynand de Word, ad usum Cantabrigiensem, Anno 1510. But some seven years after, one Sibert, University-Printer, improved that Mystery to good Perfection, fairly setting forth the Book of Erasmus, deconscribendis Epistolis, the Author then living in Cambridge, who may be presumed curious in the Impression of his Works. In the next Age Thomas Thomatius, Fellow of Kings, and Cambridge-Printer, (known by the Dictionary of his name) heightened Printing to higher degree; since exactly completed by his Successors in that Office; witness the Cambridge Bible, of which none exacter or truer Edition in England.

3. This year the University was visited Thomas Arundel, Arch-bishop of Canterbury, the first and last of his place, personally appearing in that Employment. We are therefore concerned to be the more punctual in relating all Passages, and begin with his letter of Citation sent to the Chancellor, being Richard de Billingford, Master of Corpus Christi College, though none particularly named.

4. The same day several letters were sent, one to every particular College, as appeareth by the following Copy, directed to Trinity Hall, (singled out, it seemeth, by itself; whose Master, a Canonist, was presumed most knowing in such legal proceedings ) which only remaineth in the Register.

5. It plainly appears, this Visitation was kept 1401. by the expressed Date thereof. If this may not be believed ( Figures being subject to mistake) of it self, it is confirmed with the Coincidence of Arundel's fifth year therein. This maketh me to believe my own Eyes, and a Notary's Hand, with the consent of Chronology, before the foreign Edition of British Antiquities, setting this Visitation later by four years, viz. 1409.

6. A word of the Occasion of this Visitation. William Courtney, Arundel 's Predecessour, some years since, had visited the University of Oxford tam in Capite quam in Membris. Now that Cambridge should neither be elated, that it was above the Arch-bishops Power, nor dejected, that it was beneath his Care, but preserved in the same moderate temper with her Sister Oxford; Arundel now resolved to visit the same. The rather, because suspecting some Wicklivists, his professed Adversaries, to lurk therein.

7. At the time appointed, the Arch-bishop comes to Cambridge, in so stately an Equipage, that he almost daunted the Beholders: till the Students in Cambridge recovered themselves with a cheerful Consideration, that none of them were excluded (except by their own Unworthinesse) from a Possibility of the like Preferment; who, though short of him in Temporal Extraction, might by their Deserts in due time, equal his Spiritual Preferment.

8. Next day, the Chancellor, all the Heads of Houses, with all Doctors and Masters in the Inversity, appeared before his Grace in the Convocationhouse, and there solemnly performed unto him their Canonical Obedience. Then the Arch-bishop addressed himself to his Work, proceeding to a strict enquiry of all persons and passages subjected to his Inspection.

9. He began with the Chancellor: whom he examined singly, secretly, & cum Silentio, on the following Articles.

• 1. Imprimis, Whether the Statutes and laudable Customs of the University be observed by all therein.
• 2. Item, whether there be any Scholars in the said University, which refuse to obey the Mandates and Admonitions of the Chancellor.
• 3. Item, Whether there be any disturbers of Peace and Unity in the said University.
• 4. Item, whether the Common Chests with the Money therein, and Keys thereunto belonging, be carefully kept.

Several well-disposed persons bestowed Summes of Money, and Chests to treasure them in, which generally took their names from the Donour thereof; or, (if more Contributers concurred therein) from the principal person amongst them: which may thus (all extant at this Visitation ) be reckoned up.

This Money was a Bank for the University, out of which any Master of Arts (especially if an University Preacher ) might, on Security given, borrow three pounds gratis, for one, or more years. It seems at the time of this Visitation, the Stock in them was well husbanded, which since through Negligence is wholly lost; though Annual Cofferers are chosen, for Key-keepers of those Cabinets, whose Jewels are got away. But we return to the Chancellors examination.

• 5. Item, whether Masters, Bachelours, and Dectours, formally perform their Exercises, and take their Degrees according to their Deserts.
• Item, whether there be any suspected of Lolardisme, or any other Heretical Pravity.
  • We well understand his Language without an Interpreter, meaning such who maintain the Opinions of Wycliffe. These concealed themselves in Cambridge, the Lambs not daring to bleat when the Wolf was so near: yet some were detected now, and others afterwards. For I impute it to the Influence of this Visitation, that Peter Herford Master of Arts, (probably Kinsman to Nicholas Herford, who so me. 20. years since, was condemned for the same Opinions in Oxford ) was ten years after Feb. 22. enjoined an Abjuration of Wycliffe his Opinions in a full Congregation in the new Chapel.
• 7. Item, whether the Doctors dispute publicly in the Schools, how often, and when.
  • Understand this of Doct ours Candidates. of else of Professors, tied by their Places to dispute. Otherwise Doctors liber • sunto, was not a Statute as yet in force.
• 8. Item, whether the Number of Fellows be complete in Halls and Colleges, according to the will of the Founders.
  • This concerned not such Colleges which in this Age had Statutes of Diminution, to abate their Fellow • 〈◊〉 proportion to the decrease of their Revenues, according to the dis •••• on of their Masters.
• 9. Item, whether any Scholars be defamed for any notorious Crime, or do not profit in their Studies, or 〈◊〉 others from profiting therein.
• 10. Item, how the University is governed in Victuals or any Necessaries.

10. To these Interrogatories the Chancellor made his particular Answer: and after him, the other Doctors were examined successively and secretly; their Depositions being solemnly recorded in a •• gister in the Presence of the Arch-bishop.

11. Now although the Arch-bishop pers • nel •• visited the collective Body of the University, in the Congregation, or kegent- 〈◊〉 ; it was beneath his Dignity to descend to each particular Foundation. For which purpose he sufficiently deputed certain Commissioners, who severally surveyed every College, and began (saith the Record ) with the College of the Holy Trinity, called Trinity Hall at this day.

12. But why was this Hall first visited? It was not for the Seniority thereof, being the youngest save one [ Gonvill Hall ] in Cambridge. Was it out of respect to the Name, the Holy Trinity, to whom it was dedicated? Or because the Commissioners (presumed to be Canonists ) preferred their own Faculty, as studied in the College? Or was it by Casualty, the first they came to, as nearest their Lodging? But the Nut is not worth the cracking.

13. The Guardian of this College (so called in the Record ) appeared before the Commissioners; whom by proportion of time we collect to be Robert Branch, Licentiate in the Laws. He pleaded for himself, that in Obedience to the Arch-bishops Mandates, he had summoned all the Fellows and Scholars of his College to appear accordingly, being within the Province of Canterbury.

14. Adding moreover, caeteros autem Socios & Scholares dicti Collegii, ab eodem Collegto tunc & nunc absentes, & in diversis remotis partibus, etiam extra dictam • rovinciam agents, non citavi, ne praemunivi, prout ne • potui quovis modo.

15. Herein we may observe first, that the Fellows of this House kept their places, though travelling in foreign parts; probably to perfect themselves in Canon and Civil Law. Secondly, that his answer was well resented, finding nothing in the Records returned in dislike thereof.

16. Hence the Commissioners stepped into the next College of Clare Hall, and visited it, in Capella ejusdem Collegii, saith the Record. Wherefore when Doctor Cajus telleth us that Sacellum additum in hujus Aulae Complementum, An. 1535. he is not thus to be understood, as if Clare Hall was without a Chapel until that year; but that their Chapel (probably decayed with Age, or some Casualty ) was in this year rebuilt, and added thereunto.

17. Then they visited the College of the Annunciation of the Blessed Mary (now commonly called Corpus-Christi College ) in the chapel thereof, viz. in the place which now is the Chancel of Bennet Church.

18. Hence they advanced to the White Canons over against Peter-House, where the Name remaineth at this day, whom they visited in their Church (now buried in it's Church-yard, and the Church-yard in Oblivion ) observing all solemn Formalities.

19. Let a wiser man satisfy the Reader, why no other Convents in Cambridge were visited by the Arch-bishop. Had not the White Friars [the Carmelites ] as much need of scouring, as the White Canons? Were not Spots to be found as well in Coules of other Colours, black and gray, Benedictines and Franciscans? It is hard to conceive these Friars too high to be reached by the Legative power of the Arch-bishop, though these last Orders had the largest Privileges conferred up on them by the Pope.

20. It was now but crossing the Street to Peter-House: but it being late, and the Commissioners well wearied, they returned and reposed themselves in their Lodgings. The day following was all Vacation with them, we finding nothing by them performed; probably either because the Lord's-Day, or because taken up in Entertainments.

21. Next day the Commissioners visited the Priory of S ^t . Radegund, in the Chapter-House thereof: where the Prioresse, (as the Record calleth her) and the Nuns present their several Obedience; whose Examinations and the Depositions were entered into a Register for that purpose. We charitably presume them chaster at this time, then they appeared afterwards, when turned out for their Incontinencie, and their House turned into Jesus College.

22. In the afternoon they made quick dispatch (Supper being provided for the Arch-bishop at Eli ) visiting Michael-House, S ^t . John's Hospital of Regubars (since translated into S ^t . John's College ) Peters College, and Pembrook Hall, in their several Chapels: and then his Grace took his journey towards Eli, where he was well welcomed by John Fordham the Bishop thereof.

23. Some will wonder, no mention in this visitation of Gonvil Hall, (the Pusnie House in Cambridge ) as if so late and little, that the Commissioners did oversee it: More will admire at the Omission of Kings Hall (the largest, and richest Foundation in Cambridge ) enough to make some suspect, that Royal Foundation subjected only to the immediate visiting of the King their Patron.

24. As for Hostles, the wonder is not so great, why those Commissioners stooped not down to visit them. First, because Dependent Hostles were, no doubt, visited in and under those Colleges to which they did relate. Absolute Hostles, who stood by themselves, being all of them un-endowed, by consequence, had no considerable Statutes, the breach whereof was the proper Subject of this Visitation. Besides, the Graduates therein may be presumed for their Personal Demeanours, visited in the Collective Body of the University.

25. But when this Visitation was ended, it was but begun in effect, seeing such Faults which on examination were discovered therein, were remitted to the Arch-bishop his Reformation at his own leisure; as one of his Successors in the See (but of a different Religion ) hath informed us. Yet no great matter of Moment appears in his Register (save the augmentation of the Commons of Trinity Hall, whereof before) which I have carefully perused by the courteous leave of Master Sherman of Croyden, the Register of them, to whose Kindnesse I am much indebted; for may my Candle go out in a stench, when I will not confess whence I have lighted it.

26. Some will say, Where were now the Privileges of the Pope, exempting Cambridge from Archiepiscopall Jurisdiction? I conceive they are even put up in the same Chest with Oxford Privileges, (pretending to as great Immunities: ) I mean, that the Validity of them both, though not cancelled, was suspended for the present. If it be true, that the Legate de Latere hath in some cases equal power with the Pope, which he represents; and if it be true, which some bold Canonists aver, that none may say to the Pope, Cur ita facis? it was not safe for any in that Age to dispute the power of Thomas Arundel.

27. But possibly the Universities willingly waved their Papal Privileges: and if so, injuria non fit volentibus. I find something sounding this way, how the Scholars were aggrieved, that the supreme Power being fixed in their Chancellor, there lay no Appeal from Him, (when injurious ) save to the Pope alone. Wherefore the Students, that they might have a nearer and cheaper redress, desired to be eased of their burdensome Immunities, and submitted themselves to Archiepiscopal Visitation.

28. This year a strange Accident (if true) happened; and take it as an Oxford Antiquary is pleased to relate it unto us. One John Argentine, a Scholar of Oxford, came and challenged the whole University of Cambridge to dispute with him; as is reported in William of Worcester, the Trumpeter, it seems, to this doubty Champion. I can say little to the matter, only this: As for William Worcester 's avouching his Acts, he appeared neither in Bale nor Pits their Catalogues of illustrious Authors; only the later hardly recovereth him in is Appendix, (confessing himself ignorant of the Age he lived in) not mentioning the title of the Book cited by the Antiquary, by whom the Atchievements of this Argentine, (though no doubt in themselves very whole and inture ) are but lamely delivered, according to the Tenour ensuing.

29. First, Master Twine saith of him; Ausus erat solus — he alone challenged to dispute with all Cambridge. Which might be true; and still as true of him as of Phaeton, — Magnis tamen excidit ausis. But he proceeds to tell us, that his Performances herein may easily be understood out of William Worcester, in whom thus it is written:

Let froward Spirits, who delight in contesting, cavil at the doubtfulness of the Pronoun, hujus Vniversitatis, which might relate to the University of Oxford, where Master Twine met with the Manuscript of this William Worcester: And then the sense will be, that John Argentine being a Cambridge-man, (of which name a worshipful Family then flourished at Horsheth within ten miles of Cambridge ) did in Cambridge keep an Act in Opposition to all Oxfordmen, who commonly at the Commencement repair thither. I say, let such as delight in cavilling, turn the Tables by this sleight; whilst I can willingly allow Argentine an Oxonian, and his daring Act kept at Cambridge. Only I add, that the words of Worcester barely import the Boldness of his Challenge, no Bravery of his Conquest; not acquainting us with any great Applause ensuing thereupon.

30. Having done with the Prose, Master Twine proceeds to the Poetry of this performance: whose words are these.

Still we are in the twilight, it being again questionable, to whom the pronoun, ipsius, doth relate. If to Argentine, he was both the Achilles and Homer of his own praise; and then the less credit is to be given to his own Relation. But if ipsius (which is more proper and probable) refers to William Worcester, I wonder that Master Twine (privileged no doubt to peruse the whole Poem ) gives us only the Beginning and End thereof, or, if you will, the Prologue and Epilogue of this Tragi-Comedy. It leaveth it suspicious that the intermediate Verses had no great matters of moment of this Champion his performance, because passed over in Silence. But I will not blast his victorious Bayes. Let Argentine be challenger, combatant and conqueror; sure I am, when he came to Cambridge, he left many behind him at Oxford of more learning, who did smile at, and modesty, who did blush for his bold undertaking. Only I wonder that this Scholar-Errant, after his return from his great adventures, was not wedded to some fair Lady, I mean, that he got no great preferment; I never after finding this man, so much meriting, advanced in Church or Common-wealth. But enough of this great Champion, his bare memory being able to affright my single self, who, when alive, durst challenge an whole University.

31. He obtained many Privileges for the University. He was sent from the King, with the Bishop of Eli, and Chancellor of Oxford, to Rome, to tell the two Popes striving for the Place, that except one would yield, England would acknowledge obedience to neither. In Billingsford 's absence Friar Tho. Ashwell is called President of the University. A statute this year was made for wearing Hoods, either of Budge or Lambs-kin,

Henry Stockton, Vice-Chancel. Thomas Ferkhill Thomas Markant Proctors.

32. The Chancellors of Cambridge being lately either persons of noble birth or great Employment, whose occasions often caused their absence; it was fashionable henceforward to substitute Vice-Chancellors in their room.

33. Thomas Markant the • unior Proctor was Fellow of Peter-House, and a great lover of Antiquity: he gave a Book to the University, of his own Collection, concerning the Privileges thereof. This, though by the Will of the Donour carefully kept in a locked Chest, was lost by negligence, or purloined by dishonesty, till falling into the hands of Master Robert Hare that great Antiquary, it was restored to the University.

34. Since it hath been lost again, when Master Matthew Wren, since Bishop of Eli, casually going into Sussex, found it in a Friends house, and (being a great preserver of ancient Monuments ) carefully procured the solemn restitution thereof. But who can stay, that which will away? I am informed it is lost again: which third Relapse I suspect mortal; that the Book will never be recovered to the University.

35. A difference happening betwixt the University and the City of London, about the oversight of Victuals, Measures, and Weights, in Sturbridge-fair, the care of all three, pendente lite, was referred to Sir William Asenhull Knight, high Sheriff of Cambridge-shire. I find not the issue of the Contest.

36 This Sturbridge-fair is so called from Stur, a little Rivolet (on both sides whereof it is kept) on the East of Cambridge, whereof this Original is reported. A Clothier of Kendale, a Town charactered to be Lanificii gloria, & industria praecellens, casually wetting his Cloath in that water in his passage to London, exposed it there to sail, on cheap terms, as the worse for the wetting; and yet it seems saved by the bargain. Next year he returned again, with some other of his Towns-men, proffering drier and dearer Cloath to be sold: so that within few years, hither came a Confluence of Buyers, Sellers, and Lookers on, which are the three Principles of a Fair. In Memoriall whereof, Kendale-men challenge some privilege in that place, annually choosing one of the Town to be Chief, before whom an antick Sword was carried with some mirthfull Solemnities; disused of late, since these sad times, which put men's minds into more serious Employment.

37. It is at this day the most plentiful of Wares in all England, (most Fairs in other places being but Markets in comparison thereof;) being an Amphibion, as well going on Ground, as swimming by Water, by the benefit of a navigable River. Nothing else have I to observe hereof, save that, in the last year of Queen Mary, the University necessitated for Money, were about to contract with the Towns-men, for a small Sum to sell unto them all the Privileges in that Fair; had not Doctor Robert Brassey, Provost of Kings, by the stout denying of his consent, preserved the same to the University.

38. A Synod being kept at London, Robert Gilbert, Warden of Merton College, Doctor of Divinity, in the behalf of Oxford; and Thomas Kington, Doctor of Law, Advocate of the Arches, in the behalf of Cambridge, made two eloquent Orations, that the worth of Scholars in the University might be rewarded, and preferment proportioned to their Deserts. Hereupon it was ordered, that the Patrons of vacant Benefices should bestow them hereafter on such as were Graduated in the University, Gradus & Professionis ration juxta Beneficiorum census & valores habita. So that the best and most Livings, should be collated on those of the best and highest Degrees.

39. Doctor Kington returning to Cambridge, instead of Thanks (which he might justly have expected, for his successful industry) found that the favor he procured was not accepted of. The Regent-Masters in the Congregation, out of their Youthfull Rashness, rejected the kindness merely out of Spleen and Spite, because the Doctors would be served with the first and best Livings, and the Refues only fall to their share.

40. The Regent-Masters being grown older and wiser, were persuaded to accept the profer, sending their thanks by the Chancellor to another Synod now kept at London. And now when the bestowing of Benefices on University men was clearly concluded; the unlearned Friars (whose interest herein was much concerned) mainly stickled against it, until by the Kings interposing they were made to desist. The same year it was ordered in Parliament, that none should practice Physic or Surgery, except approved on by one of the Universities.

41. Difference arising betwixt the University, and Philip Morgan Bishop of Eli, Pope Martin the fifth, at the instance of the University, appointed the Prior of Barnwell, and John Deeping Canon of Lincoln, his Delegates to inquire of the Privileges of the University.

42. The Prior undertook the whole business, examined seven witnesses, all Aged (some past threescore and ten,) and perused all Papal Bulls, Privileges and Charters: wherein he found that the Chancellors of Cambridge have all Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction (viz. Excommunication and suspension ) over Scholars and their servants, probates of Wills, granting of Administration, and taking their accounts; the aged witnesses deposing it on their own sight and knowledge.

43. This being returned by the Prior, Pope Martin pronounced his sentence, wherein he declareth, that the University, time out of mind, was in the Possession, use, and exercise, of Ecclesiastical and spiritual Jurisdiction, without any disquieting of Arch-bishops, Bishops, or their Officers: and for the time to come he confirmed their Immunities, which his Successor, Eugenius the fourth, re-confirmed unto them. This strengthens our former Conjecture, that the University willingly receded from their own Privileges in Arundel 's visitation.

44. Richard Duke of York was at this time Earl of Cambridge: the last that ware that Honor for many years, in whose death it was extinct. And now let the Reader at one view behold the great Persons dignified with the Earldom of Cambridge.

No City, Town, or place in England was ever honored with so many and great persons as Cambridge was; whose Earldom, sleeping for almost two hundred years, was at last conferred by King James on the royally extracted Marques Hamilton; whereof in due place.

45. About this time the many Chests of Money (formerly well filled, and worthily employed for the good of the University and eminent Scholars therein) were squandered away, and embezeled to private men's profit. I cannot particularize in their names, nor charge any single person: but it appeared too plainly, that of 14. or 15. Chests, not four were left, and the sums in them inconsiderable; so that Cambridge never recovered her Bank, nor recruited her Chests to the former proportion. Yet afterwards she met with two good Benefactours, the one Thomas Bourchier, Arch-bishop of Canterbury, who bestowed on her an hundred pounds; the other the Lady Elizabeth Cleere, Duchess of Norfolk, which put the University in stock again, bestowing no less then a thousand Marks at several times on the public Treasury; though within few years little was left thereof.

46. I know it is pleaded, that the expensive Suites of the University against the Towns-men in the Reigns of King Henry the seventh and King Henry the eighth, much exhausted their Coffers. But when all is audited, a strong suspicion still remains on some in public employment, of unjust dealing. Sure it is, in the Reign of King Edward the sixth the Treasury was so empty, it wanted wherewith to defray necessary and ordinary Expences.

SECTION V.

ABout this time, (for I cannot attain the certain year) some considerable persons of our Nation undertook the draining of the Fennes near to Cambridge. They wanted not Dutchmen out of the Low-Countries to assist them, (where each Peasant is born a Pioneer ) and vast sums were expended in making of Ditches, and Banks, impregnable (as conceived) against all assaults of Inundation.

2. But in the next (being a wet, & Windy) Winter, down comes the Baliffe of Bedford (so the Country-people commonly call the overflowing of the River Ouse ) attended, like a person of his quality, with many servants, (the accession of tributary Brooks ) and breaks down all their paper-banks, as not water-shot-free, reducing all to the former condition.

3. This Accident put the Wits of that, and succeeding Ages, upon the dispute of the feacibility of the design: and let us sum up the Arguments against and for this undertaking.

However, the Generality of people in that Age was possessed with a firm Opinion, the project was utterly impossible to be brought to pass.

4. But the best Argument to prove that a thing may be done, is actually to do it. The Vndertakers in our present Age, have happily lost their first name, in a far better, of Performers; and of late the Fennes nigh Cambridge have been adjudicated drained, and so are probable to continue.

5. Very great was the ingenuity, industry (the eyes and hands of all grand designs ) and expense in this action. For the River Ouse, formerly lazily loitering in it's idle intercourses with other Rivers, is now sent the nearest way (through a passage cut by admirable art) to do it's Errand to the German Ocean.

6. I confess Cambridge ever looked on the draining of the Fennes with a jealous eye, as a project like to prove prejudicial unto them. And within my memory, an eminent Preacher made a smart Sermon before the Judges of the Assizes on this Text— Let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. Wherein he had many tart reflections on the draining of the Fennes, inciting the Judges to be tender of the University so much concerned therein. But it seems Cambridge was then more frighted, then since it hath been hurt, now the project is effected.

7. The chiefest complaint I hear of is this, that the Country thereabout is now subject to a new drowning, even to a deluge and inundation of plenty, all commodities being grown so cheap therein. So hard it is to please froward spirits, either full of fasting.

8. Here even a serious body cannot but smile at their conceit, who so confidently have reported and believed that the late Drought these last three years proceeded from the draining of the Fennes. As if the Sun arising in those Eastern Counties, were offended that he was disappointed of his Mornings-draught, (which he formerly had out of the Fennes ) and now wanteth Vapours, the materials of Rain, whereof those moist grounds afforded him plenty before.

9. A jejune and narrow conceit: as if the Cockle-shel of Fen-waters were considerable to quench the thirst of the Sun, who hath the German Ocean to carouse in at pleasure. Besides, their fond fancy is confuted by the wetness of this last Summer, affording rain enough and too much.

10. As Cambridge-shire hath gotten more Earth, so hath it gained better Air by the draining of the Fennes. And Cambridge itself may soon be sensible of this perfective alteration. Indeed Athens (the staple of ancient Learning) was seated in a Morase or Fenny place, (and so Pisa an Academie in Italy: ) and the Grossness of the Air is conceived by some, to quicken their wits, and strengthen their memories. However, a pure Air in all impartial judgments, is to be preferred for Students to reside in.

11. Henry the sixth, a pious and mild Prince (one of a better soul than spirit) erected a small College for a Rector and twelve Scholars in and about the places where Augustine's Hostle, God's House, and the Church of St. Nicolas formerly stood; being one motive that he dedicated this his foundation to the honor of St. Nicolas, on whose day also he was born.

12. William Bingham, Rector of St. John Zechariah 's in London, sensible of the great want of Grammarians in England in that age, founded a little Hostle (contiguous to King Henry his College) to be governed by a Procter, and twenty five Scholars, all to be (not Boys, learning the Rules, but) Men studying the criticisms of Grammar: and he is no Grammariam, who knoweth not Grammaticus (in that age especially) to be an essential Member of an University.

13. But the year after Bingham his small Hostle was swallowed up in the Kings foundation (not as Ahab 's Palace ate up Naboth 's Vineyard, but) by the full and free consent of the aforesaid Bingham, surrendering it up into the hands of the King, for the improving and perfecting thereof. Whereupon the King uniting and enlarging them both with the addition of the Church of St. John Zechariah, then belonging to Trinity Hall (in lieu whereof, he who would do hurt to none, good to all, gave to that Hall the patronage of St. Edwards in Cambridge ) founded one fair College, for one Provost, seventy Fellows and Scholars, three Chaplains, six Clerks, sixteen Choristers, and a Master over them, sixteen officers of the foundation, besides twelve Servitors to the senior Fellows, and six poor Scholars, amounting in all to an hundred and forty.

14. The Chapel in this College is one of the • arest fabrics in Christendom, wherein the stone-work, wood-work, and glass-work contend, which most deserve admiration. Yet the first generally carrieth away the credit (as being a Stone-henge indeed) so geometrically contrived, that voluminous stones mutually support themselves in t • e arched roof, as if Art had made them to forget Nature, and weaned them from their fondness to descend to their center. And yet, though there be so much of Minerva, there is nothing of Arachne in this building: I mean, not a spider appearing, or cobweb to be seen on the (Irish-wood or Cedar) beams thereof. No wonder then, if this Chapel, so rare a structure, was the work of three succeeding Kings; Henry the sixth, who founded; the seventh, who fathered; the eighth, who finished it. The whole College was intended conformable to the Chapel, but the untimely death (or rather deposing) of King Henry the sixth, hindered the same. Thus foundations partake of their Founders interest, and flourish or fade together. Yea, that mean quadrant (now almost all the College extant at this day) was at first designed only for the Choristers.

15. But the honor of Athens lieth not in her Walls, but in the worth of her Citizens. Building may give luster, but Learning life to a College; wherein we congratulate the happiness of this foundation. Indeed no College can continue in a constant level of Learning, but will have its alternate depression and elevations: but in th • s we may observe a good tenor of able men in all faculties, as indeed a good Artist is left-handed to no profession. See here their Catalogue, wherein such persons reducible to two or more columnes, to avoid repetition, are entered in that capacity, wherein I conceive them to be most eminent.

Behold here the fruitfulness of one Vineyard (a single College) and yet we have only gathered the top-grapes, such as were ripest in parts, and highest in preferment. How many moe grew on the under-boughs, which were serviceable in Church, and State? Not to speak of many eminent persons still surviving, amongst whom Mr. William Oughtred, beneficed at Alberie in Surrey, Prince of the Mathematicians in our age) whose modesty will be better pleased with my praying for them than praising of them.

16. Wonder not, Reader, that Benefactors are so few, and benefaction so small to this royal foundation, caused partly from the commpleteness thereof, at its first erection, partly from men's modesty, that their meanness might not mingle itself with Princely magnificence. Solomon saith, — What can the man do that cometh after the King? It is petty Presumption to make addition to Kings works, and to hold benefaction in Coparcenarie with them.

17. We read in John Rouse, how King Henry the fifth had a design to build a College in the Castle of Oxford; the intended model whereof, with the endowments to the same, he affirmeth himself to have seen; but, prevented by death, his son Henry performed his fathers will (as to his general end of advancing Learning, and Religion) though exchanging the place from Oxford to Cambridge. We read also in the Oxford Antiquarie, how Henry Beaufort, that pompous Prelate, and Bishop of Winchester, gave two thousand pounds to Henry the sixth for the advancing of this College; and how John Summerset, Doctor of Physic to King Henry the sixth, Sophister first in Oxford, but afterwards graduated in Cambridge, and twice Proctor thereof (though not expressed in our Cambridge -Catalogue, so imperfect is it) was very active with his persuasions to King Henry, and concurred much, instrumentally, to the foundation of this College.

18. He proceedeth to tell us, how the same Sommerset, when aged, fell into want and disgrace; and coming to Cambridge for succor, and support, found not entertainment proportionable to his deserts. Whereupon he publicly complained thereof, in eighty satyrical verses thus beginning.

For mine own part I hate ingratitude, be it in mine own mother; but dare not here condemn her, because ignorant of the cause of Sommerset's poverty. Probably it might relate to the difference of the Crown, and Lancaster interest; so that in those dangerous days Cambridge her charity could not consist with her safety, not daring to relieve him, for fear of damnifyinging herself.

19. How ticklish those days were, and with how evil an eye this Foundation, from the line of Lancaster, was looked upon by the House of York, is too plain in the practice of King Edward the fourth, one, whose love to learning, and religion were much alike; who at once took away from Kings College a thousand pound land a year, amongst which the feefarme of the Manours of Chesterton and Cambridge. Whereupon no fewer than forty of the Fellowes, and Scholars, besides Conducts, Clerks, Choristers, and other College-officers, were in one day forced to depart the House, for want of maintenance. Indeed I have read, that King Edward afterwards restored five hundred Marks of yearly revenue, on condition they should acknowledge him for their Founder, and write all their Deeds in his name; which, perchance for the present, they were contented to perform. However his restitution was nothing adequate to the injury offered this Foundation, insomuch that Leland complains, Grantam suam hanc jacturam semper sensuram, That his Cambridge will forever be sensible of this loss.

20. One tells us, that as Kings College was first furnished from Eaton; so Eaton was first planted from Winchester-School, whence Henry the sixth fetched, five Fellows, and thirty five eminen • Scholars to furnish his first foundation. But let our Aunt know, that this debt hath been honestly satisfied, with plentiful consideration for the forbearance thereof. For in the year of our Lord 1524. when Robert Shirton, Master of Pembroke-Hall, was employed by Cardinal Wolsey, to invite Cambridge -men (some full blown in learning, others but in the bud, and dawning of their pregnancie) to plant his foundation at Christ-Church, Kings-College afforded them many eminent Scholars, then removed thither: amongst whom were Rich. Cox, afterwards School-master to King Edward the sixth; John Frith, afterward martyred for the truth; John Frier, a famous Physician of that age; Hen. Sumptner, who at Christ-Church for his religion being hardly used, died soon after; with may moe eminent persons, which hereafter, God willing, shall be observed. Thus Christ-Church in Oxford was first a Cambridge -Colony. Be this remembered, partly that Cambridge may continue her original title to such worthy men, and partly to evidence her return to her Sister of what formerly she had borrowed. Otherwise it matters not, on which of the two Branches learned men do grow, seeing all spring from one, and the same root of the English Nation.

21. I have done with this Foundation, when I have told the Reader that King Henry the sixth, under his great Seal, by Act of Parliament, confirmed a coat of Arms to this College, bearing in chief a flower of France, and a Lion of England, that it may appear to be the work of a King. For my instructions herein I must direct my thankfulness partly to the memory of Mr. Thomas Hatcher, who some seventy years since collected an exact catalogue of the Scholars, Fellowes, and Provosts of this house; partly to Mr. Tho. Page, of this house, and Vice-Orator of Cambridge, who as he went over beyond the seas, the credit of his Coll. and this University: so, God lending him life, after his accomplishment in his travails, is likely to return one of the honors of our Country.

22. My Pen was now leaving Kings College, when 'tis plucked back again by the feathers thereof, casually lighting on the following passage: That when William Wankefleet Bishop of Winchester (afterwards founder of Magdalene College ) persuaded King Henry the sixth to erect some monument for learning to Oxford, the King returned, Imo potiùs Cantabrigiae, ut duas (si fieri possit) in Anglia Accademias habeam. Yea rather (said he) at Cambridge, that (if it be possible) I may have two Universities in England. As if Cambridge were not reputed one before the founding of Kings College therein.

23. An improbable passage, which filled me with wonder: for although none beheld King-Henry as a profound person to utter Oracles; all acknowledge him of ability to express himself in proportion to truth. Who could not be ignorant that Cambridge had been an University many hundreds of years (before these words were pretended to be spoken) and vieing endowed Colleges (un endowed Halls coming not under this consideration) with Oxford itself, as by the ensuing parallel will appear.

All these houses were extant in Cambridge, before the reign of King Henry the Sixth, equalling those in Oxford for number. All Souls therein not being fully finished; (and Kings College being an Embryo, whilst All Souls was but an Infant) which plainly proveth Cambridge a most flourishing University, before the reign of King Henry the sixth.

24. This made me consider with myself, what Authentical Authors had attested the Kings words aforesaid, finding it first printed by Brian Twine, Oxford Antiquarie, and afterwards by Dr. Heylin, a member of that University, but neither relating to any Author by quotation, in their Editions which I have seen, which in a matter of such moment, might justly have been expected. During these my thoughts, the following passages came very seasonably to reconcile what to me seemed a contradiction.

25. Mr. Hubbard my much esteemed friend, late Fellow of Kings College, and Proctor of Cambridge, told me that Mr Barlow Fellow of the same house, informed him, how he had heard from Mr. Matthew Bust, the worthy School-master of Eaton, familiarly conversing with Sr. Henry Savill Warden thereof, that the said Sr. Henry Savill, in the presence of Sr. Isaac Wake at an Oxford Act, being pleasant at the entertainment of Cambridge men, in mere merriment, (to try whether he could make Cousens of his Aunts Children herein) devised the story, far from any love of falsehood, or mischievous intent to deceive posterity, but only for present delight. Which since it seems (how soon are great men's jests, made meaner men's earnests! ) hath passed for currant, some confirming, more crediting, none opposing it, and from going in talk, comes now to fly in print, and if not timely checked, will in the next age acquire to it self a peaceable possession of a general belief.

26. I confess this is hear-say at the third mouth, losing much of the luster thereof, because removed three descents from the original. However, I conceive my private resolutions just, and equal, who will condemn it for falsehood, in that very minute, when the aforesaid speech of King Henry the sixth shall be avouched out of a warrantable Author; till which time, I shall account that no serious speech of a King, but the Knights joculary expresssion. I say again, this my AUDIVI from my friend, shall prevail with me till confuted with the INSPEXI of a credible Historian to the contrary.

27. Pass we now from Kings College, but stay still on Kings College ground, (for such were some part of the Schools ) advanced at several times by sundry Benefactors. First the Schools were kept in private houses, hired from ten years to ten years, by the University for that purpose; during which term they might be diverted to no other use. Such we conceive the School of Tyrannus, wherein St. Paul kept his disputation, and the house of John Goldcorn (since enclosed in Gaius College ) served the University a long time in that nature.

28. Afterwards the public Schools were built at the cost of the University, in or near the place where now they stand. But alas it was a little and low Structure (more eminent for the Learning within, than the building without. Yet every whit as good, as anciently the Artists Schools of Padua, kept at St. Blass, or as the Schools in Venice (near the Steeple of St. Mark ) where Baptista Egnatius, some hundred years since, professed the liberal Arts.

29. Last of all the present Quadrant of the Schools was erected of brick and rough stone in fashion as it standeth at this day.

First, The west side (opposite to the entrance) built by the University Charges on ground bought of Benet College.

Secondly, The North side (on the right hand) finished An. Dom. 1400, by Sir Will. Thorpe a Lincolnshire Knight.

Containing
• Beneath, the Divinity Schools.
• Above, the Regent and Non-Regent houses, having something of Chapel character and consecration in them, as wherein some University devotions are performed.

Thirdly, The South side (on the left hand) built by Laurence Booth, Bishop of Durham, Chancellor of the University; but on the cost of Graduats and others.

Containing
• Beneath, the Logic or Sophister Schools, where (in Term time) daily Disputations, & the Bachelors Commencement is kept.
• Above, the Greek Schools.

Fourthly, The East side (where one entereth at a beautiful Porch) built anno 1475, by Rotheram Archbi-shop of York.

• Containing
  • Beneath, on the
    • Right hand, a Vestiary where the Doctors robe themselves, and have a convenient inspection into the Divinity Schools.
    • Left hand the Consistory, where the Vice-chancellor keepeth his Courts.
  • Above, a fair Library.

This Library formerly was furnished with plenty of choice books, partly at the costs of the aforesaid Archbishop Rotheram, partly at the charges of Cuthbert Tonstall, Bishop of Durham, bred in our University, and quietly allowed unto us by Bishop Godwin; though some since (on what unjust pretence I know not) have drawn him unto Balioll College in Oxford. But these books by the covetousness of some great ones, and carelessness of the Library Loosers (for Library Keepers I cannot call them) are for the most part imbezelled to the great loss of the University, and Learning in general.

30. At this day the Library (Or Libraries shall I say?) of three successive Archbishops, Painfull Parker, Pious Grindall, Politick Bancroft, (on the miscarriage of Chelsey College, to which first they were bequeathed) are bestowed upon Cambridge, and are beautifully shelved, (at the costs (as I am informed) of Sr. John Woollaston Alderman of London ) so that our Library will now move the Beam, though it cannot weigh it down, to even the Scale with Oxford. As for the Schools themselves, though our Aunt boasteth, that it is not worthy to carry the books after Oxford Library for the statefulness of the Edifice; yet sure the difference is more in the Case than in the Jewels therein contained.

Joannes Langton, Can. he, with the consent of the whole University, appoints prayers and Mass for Henry the sixth.

Nicolans de Kenton, Can. A learned Writer.

Joannes de Langton, Can. He obtains letters Patents of the King, whereby he forgives the University all offenses.

Robertus de Ascoughe, Dr. of Law, Can. He gave to the University a Guil. Bingham, Proc. Goblet of eight ounces.

31. Margaret, Daughter to Reneer tituled King of Sicily and Jerusalem, Wife to King Henry the sixth, founded a College in Cambridge, near, if not in a place formerly called Goose-green, dedicating the same to her name-sake Saint Margaret and St. Bernard, commonly called Queens College. Indeed as Miltiades his Trophie in Athens would not suffer Themistocles to sleep, so this Queen beholding her husbands bounty in building Kings College, was restless in herself with holy emulation, until she had produced something of the like nature. A strife wherein Wifes, without breach of duty, may contend with their Husbands, which should exceed in pious performances.

32. Sir John Wenlock Knight, laid the first stone of this College in the East end and South side of the Chapel, in the name of Queen Margaret, April 15. 1448, who caused this inscription to be engraven thereon: Erit Dominae nostrae Reginae Margaretae Dominus in refugium, & lapis iste in signum: The Lord shall be for a refuge to the Lady Margaret, and this stone for a sign. Indeed, poor Queen, soon after she needed a Sanctuary to shelter herself when beaten in battle, and the aforesaid (since Lord) Wenlock slain at Teuksbury: when no doubt her soul retreated to divine protection, the only succor left unto her; but this sad accident obstructed the hopeful proceeding in her intended foundation.

33. The Child thus come to the birth, there was no strength to bring forth, had not the skill of the Midwife supplied the want of strength in the Mother. I mean Andrew Ducket, for forty years first Master of this House, formerly a Friar, Rector of St. Buttolphs in Cambridge, Principal of Bernard's Hostle, who gathered much money from well-disposed people, to finish this College, and accounted by some, though not by his purse, by his prayers, the Founder thereof. A good and discreet man, who with no sordid but prudential compliance, so poised himself in those dangerous times betwixt the successive Kings of Lancaster and York, that he procured the favor of both, and so prevailed with Queen Elizabeth, wife to King Edward the fourth, that she perfected what her professed enemy had begun. A good natured Lady, whose estate (whilst a widow) being sequestered for the Delinquency of her husband ( things, though not words, then in fashion) made her more merciful to the miseries of others.

So that at this present therein are maintained, one President, nineteen Fellowes, three and twenty Scholars, eight Bible Clerks, three Lecturers of hebrew, Arithmetic and Geometry, besides Officers and Servants of the Foundation with other Students amounting unto one hundred and ninety.

34. Amongst the later Masters of this College Dr. Humphrey Tyndale Dean of Eli must not be forgotten, of whom there passeth an improbable tradition. That in the reign of Queen Elizabeth he was proffered by a Protestant Party in Bohemia to be made King thereof. Which he refused, a • leadging, That he had rather be Queen Elizabeth's subject, then a foreign Prince. I know full well that Crown is Elective. I know also that for some hundreds of years it has been fixed to the German Empire. However, because no smoke without some fire, or heat at least; there is something in it, more then appears to every eye. True it is that he was Son to Sir Thomas Tyndale of Hockwold in Norfolk, and how Bohemian blood came into his veins I know not. Sure I am, he gave the Arms of Bohemia (viz.) Mars, a Lyon with a forked Tayle, Luna, crowned Sol, with a Plume of Estrich-feathers for a Crest.

35. The Catalogue of Benefactours to this College presents only the principal, not all in that kind, who in the days of Dr. Gaius (writing eight years since) amounted to more then an hundred forty and seven. Much increased at this day: indeed no house for the quantity is endowed with better land of Mannours and Farms, and less of Impropriations belonging thereunto. As for King Richard the third, his benefaction made more noise then brought profit therewith, who conferred on this College all the large and honorable patrimony of John Vere the thirteenth Earl of Oxford, then maintaining St. Michaels mount in Cornewall against him. Which soon after was justly resumed by King Henry the seventh, and restored to the right owner thereof. The College no whit grieving thereat, as sensible, no endowment can be comfortable, which consists not with Equity and Honor.

36. No College in England hath such exchange of Coats of Arms as this hath, giving sometimes the Arms of Jerusalem (with many others quartered therewith) assigned by Queen Margaret their first Foundresse. It giveth also another distinct coat, ( viz. ) a Crosier, and Pastoral Staff Saltyre, pierceing through a Boars head in the midst of the Shield; This I humbly conceive bestowed upon them by Richard the third (when undertaking the Patronage of this foundation) in allusion to the Boar which was his Crest; and wherein those Church implements disposed in Saltyre or inform of St. Andrew's Cross, might in their device relate to Andrew Ducket so much meriting of this foundation. However at this day the College waves the wearing of this Coat, laying it up in her Ward-robe, and makes use of the former only.

37. Sir Thomas Smith in this catalogue may be beh • ld not as a Benefactor to this house alone but all Colleges of literature in England. I Obadiah be so praised to all posterity for feeding an hundred of God's Prophets; fifty in one cave, and fifty in another, with bread and water; what reward shall this worthy Knight receive, who forever feeds all the sons of the Prophets both in Cambridge and Oxford (members of any Society) with Rent corn, which he procured by Statute in Parliament▪ which in due time (God willing) shall fully be related.

38. The aforesaid Knight recurres again (who cannot too often be mentioned) in the list of learned Writers. Eminent for two excellent works. The one, of the Common-wealth of England. The other, of a more Compendious way of Printing, as which would defalk a fifth part of the cost in Paper, and Ink, besides as much of the pains in composing, printing, and reading of Books only, by discharging many superfluous letters in spelling and accommodating the sounds of long and short vowels (to save terminating E's, and other needless additions of consonants) with distinct Characters. However this design hath not hitherto met with general entertainment, chiefly on a suspicion that this modern way will render ancient books in a short time unreadable to any, save Antiquaries; which whether a just or causeless jealousy, let others determine.

39. Queens College accounteth it no small credit thereunto, that Erasmus (who no doubt might have picked and chose what House he pleased) preferred this for the place of his study, for some years in Cambridge. Either invited thither with the fame of the learning and love of his friend Bishop Fisher then Master thereof, or allured with the situation of this College so near the River (as Rotterdam his native place to the Sea) with pleasant walks thereabouts. And thus I take my farewell of this foundation, wherein I had my Education for the first eight years in that University. Desiring God's blessing to be plentifully poured on all the Members thereof.

• Nicholas Close, Cancell.
• William Percy ( Son to the Earl of Northumberland) Chanc.
• Mr. Baker Proct.
• Mr. Fleming and Mr. Hampden Proct.

Henceforward we shall present the Reader with an exact catalogue of all the Proctors in Cambridge. Indeed we could have begun our list of them an hundred years before, but then must have left many blanks for some years, so imperfect our intelligence and so uncertain the Records (meeting therein many times a single Proctor without his mate.) And therefore I conceived time enough, henceforward to date the completed and continued Series of those public officers.

• Henry Boleyne & John Gunthorpe Proct.
• Henry Boleyne and John Bolton Proct.
• Laurence Booth, Canc. John Hurth and Proct.

In this year Laurence Booth (afterwards Archbishop of York ) caused a collection to be made through the whole University.

• 1 From such who hired Chairs of Canon and Civil Law—
• 2 From those who broke their words in taking their degrees.
• 3 From every Religious person a Proprietary of Goods— ten Marks.
• 4 From every Religious man of the Order of Begging Friars— —eight Marks.
• 5 From every rich Parson—a third part of his Parsonage.
• 6 From Bishops and Prelates—what they pleased themselves to give.

With these monies, which may be presumed to amount unto a round sum, he built the South side of the Schools wherein the Sophisters keep their ordinary Disputations.

• William Wilflett, Canc.
• Robert Woodlark, Canc.
• Richard Scroop, Canc.
• Robert Woodlark, Canc.
• John Booth, Canc.
• William Wilflett, Canc.
• John Herrison Dr. of Physic, this year set forth a short Book de fundatoribus Universitatis, deducing the same from K. Cantaber, the same which I conceive is called the Black-book at this day.
• Edward Story, Canc.
• Thomas Rothenam. Canc.
• Robert Steukin and Tohn Yotting, Proct.
• Richard Morgan and Oliver King, Proct.
• William Skybye & William Skelton, Proct.
• John Barnaby & William Grayham, Proct.
• Thomas Lancton and John Gray, Proct.
• John Lindsey & William Rucshaw, Proct.
• John Bretton and Giles Dent, Proct.
• Will. Wyche & William Langthon, Proct.
• Will. Langthon and Christop. Loftus, Proct.
• John Day and William Wood, Proct.
• Thomas Wright & Thomas Laxton, Proct.
• Thomas Rotheram Canc.
• Thomas Cosyn & Ambr. Rippinton, Proct.
• Thomas Taylor & Thom. Mandsley, Proct.
• John Wells and Edward. Hanson, Proct.
• John Argent and John Ocley, Proct.
• Ralph Songer & Richard Tokerham, Proct.
• John Trotter and Richard Smith, Proct.
• Thomas Bond and John Radford, Proct.

40. Richard Woodlark, was born at Wakerly in Northumberland, as an Author hath affirmed. (But finding no such place in that County, & a Wakerly (nigh Stanford ) in Northamptonshire, blame me not if willing to restore my native shire to its right, and the honor of his nativity.) This Richard being the last foundation-Fellow, and third Provost of Kings-College, purchased four Tenements in Millstreet, (over against the late Carmelites then newly Queens-College, ) and founded an Hall thereon for one Master, and three Fellowes, dedicating it to St. Katherine, the Virgin and Martyr, since augmented by the bounty of others.

41. This may be termed Aula Bella, (if not a proper) a pretty Hall, even by the confession of the Poet so critical in the word.

• Sed qui bellus homo, Cotta, pusillus homo.
  • What thing is in itself but small,
  • That Cotta we do pretty call.

And the beholding of this House, mindeth me of what Sir Thomas More wrteth of a She favourite of King Edward the fourth, as to this particular conformity betwixt them (otherwise far be it from me to resemble this Virgin Hall to a wanton Woman ) namely that there was nothing in her Body one could have changed, except one would have wished her somewhat higher. Lowness of endowment, and littlensse of Receit, is all can be cavilled at in this foundation, otherwise proportionably most complete in chapel, cloisters, library, Hal, &c. Indeed this House was long Town-bound (which hindered the growth thereof) til Dr. Goslin that good Physician cured it of that disease, by giving the Bull-Inn thereunto, so that since it hath flourished with buildings, and Students, lately more numerous than in greater Colleges.