Collectanea. First series / edited by C.R.L. Fletcher.

Date:
1885
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Collectanea. First series / edited by C.R.L. Fletcher. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    the secession to Northampton in 1361. In the autumn of the year 1333, the vanquished northern students retired to Stam- ford in Lincolnshire, and there prepared to continue then- studies. They were viewed with favour by John, Earl of Warrenne, but it was further necessary to obtain the sanction of the King. In January, 1334, the seceders addressed an exculpatory epistle to Edward III.1 They therein declared that their withdrawal from Oxford was‘par resoun deplusours debatz, concels, et melles qels long temp ont este et uncont sont en la universite de Oxenford, done grantz damages, perils morts, mordres, maihemes et robberies sovent fois sont avenuz; ’ and they prayed the King to permit them to carry on their studies at Stamford. While the seceders thus exerted themselves, Oxford also began to act. In February, 1334, we find a letter from the University to the Queen (I) invoking her assistance against this base attempt to draw away students to Stamford. Edward was then busily engaged with the Scottish war. Philippa had accompanied him to the north, and was, perhaps, at this time residing at Bamborough2. That the University should appeal to her was not unnatural. She holds an honourable place among the royal benefactors of Oxford, though her epitaph exaggerates her actual benefits. ‘ A careful nurse to students all at Oxford she did found Queen’s College and Dame Pallas school, that did her fame resound.’ During the months of March, May, and July, further secessions of students took place; and the University re- doubled its efforts to remove the growing peril. Probably we may refer to the early summer of 1334, the letter addressed to the Bishop of Lincoln, Henry de Burghersh, requesting him to exert himself on behalf of the University (II). As treasurer he would have influence over the King ; as diocesan of both Oxford and Stamford he was in a position to interfere effectually in any quarrel between them. ' Quoted by Peck in Acad. Tertia Anglicana. 1 Vid. A. Strickland, Queens of England, vol. i. p. 384 sq.