Library | Location | England | Oxfordshire | Oxford

Universal British Directory, 1791

Oxford

[page 112] The city of Oxford is distant from London fifty-four miles, twenty-three from Henley, and seven and three quarters from Woodstock. This city is principally distinguished by its illustrious university. It does not appear when it was first fortified; but the walls, of which considerable remains are visible at present, were probably raised upon a former foundation, by Robert D'Oilie, about the time of the conquest. The same person, at the command of the conqueror, erected the castle, A. D. 1071; which, from the massy ruins now remaining, appears to have been a work of prodigious strength and extent. King Henry I. founded a royal palace here, upon a spot called Beaumont, near Gloucester-green, some fragments of which are still extant; and in which Kig Richard I. surnamed Coeur de Lion, was born. In this city were several monasteries; the most remarkable of which were St. Frideswide's and Oseney Abbey. Its bishopric was erected A. D. 1542.

The town is situated on a broad eminence, which rises so gradually as to be hardly perceptible in the midst of a most beautiful extent of meadows to the south, east, and west, and of corn-fields to the north. The vales on the east are watered by the river Cherwell, and those on the west and south by the main stream, and several branches, of the Isis. Both rivers meet towards the south-east. The landscape is bounded on every side, the north excepted, by a range of hills covered with woods. The opening to the north admits a free current of fresh air, and entirely removes all the inconvenience which would otherwise arise from the noxious vapours of a watery situation. From some of the surrounding hills, the traveller is surprised with an unparallelled prospect of magnificence and plenty; of numerous spires, domes, and turrets, with the combined charms of verdure, water, and trees. The soil is a fine gravel; and on the whole, the situation is not less healthy than agreeable.

That part of the town properly denominated the city, and originally enclosed with walls, is not more than two miles in circumference, and of an oblong figure. The suburbs are most considerable on the north, east, and west, sides; containing the parishes of Holiwell, Magdalen, St. Clement, St. Giles, and St. Thomas; with the colleges of Baliol, Trinity, Wadham, Worcester, St. John, and Magdalen. The walls, from that part of them which remains as a boundary to New College on the north and east, appear to have been embattled with bastions at one hundred and fifty feet distance from each other. The walls likewise, but without their battlements, serve as a fence to Merton College on the south and east. A few detached fragments of them are discernible at other places. The whole town is about three miles in circumference.

The principal street is the High-street, running from Magdalen-bridge to Carfax church. Its length and breadth are hardly to be paralleled, and is remarkably clean and well paved. It derives its principal grandeur from the fronts of three magnificent colleges, together with the churches of St. Mary and All Saints. This street would be less beautiful were it in a straight line. From its tendency to a curve, it affords a gradual and unexpected display of its parts, and successively surprises us, at every turn, with a new object. This street, but under different names, is continued towards the castle.

The next considerable street, by some called Fish-street, leads from Carfax to a bridge over the Isis, on which formerly stood a turret called Friar Bacon's Study. It is adorned with the stately front of the college of Christchurch, which is exented to the length of three hundred and eighty-two feet. In the same street is the town-hall, where the assizes for the county, and the town and county sessions, are held; a neat and commodious edifice, partly erected at the expence of Thomas Rowney, Esq. the late representative, and high steward of the city.

[page 113] From Carfax (where formerly stood a conduit erected by Otho Nicholson) we pass on the north into the Corn-market; and from thence by Magdalen parish-church on the right, and Friar's Entry on the left, being the passage to the Carmelite friery in Beaumont, into St. Giles's; which is a street of extraordinary breadth; and, from the trees left before St. John's college, and those in the front of the church, has the appearance of an elegant village. On the east side stands St. John's college; and the town, as well as the street, is terminated at this end by St. Giles's church.

This entrance to the town, from the Woodstock and Banbury roads, is now greatly ornamented by the Radcliffe Infirmary, which is built of hewn stone, upon the plan of the County Hospital at Gloucester. This edifice, which had been so long wanted here, and which, exclusive of the more immediate benefits of its foundation, will prove of peculiar utility to academical students in physic, was erected by the trustees of Dr. Radcliffe's benefaction, out of the surplus money remaining after defraying the expence of his library. The ground was given by Thomas Rowney, Esq. above-mentioned. The building was begun in May 1759, and, being completed, fitted up, and furnished, by the same trustees, was opened upon St. Luke's day, October 18, 1770, and is supported by benefactors and a very liberal annual subscription.

The trustees of Dr. Radcliffe's will have likewise lately been engaged in building an observatory, which is now nearly completed, and highly ornamental to this place. It stands in a field immediately to the north of the Infirmary, consisting of ten acres, a benefaction of his grace the Duke of Marlborough for that purpose. This edifice is one hundred and seventy-five feet six inches in length, from east to west; its breadth at each wing twenty-four feet; and in the centre fifty-seven from north to south, exclusive of an elegant portico in the sourth front, which projects about six feet from the building. The wings are twenty-two feet in height, to the top of the moulding. Between the wings, in the north front, springs a semicircle, the radius of which is about thirty-seven feet, and its height from the ground fifty-one feet, which includes the hall with two adjoining libraries on the ground floor; the staircase and the lecture-room with two adjoining rooms on the next story. The third story consists of an octangular tower, executed after the model of the celebrated Temple of the Eight Winds at Athens; the elevation of which, including the figure to be placed on the roof, will be upwards of fifty feet: so that the elevation of the central part of this building will be upwards of one hundred feet. The eastern wing contains, in three rooms, a very complete set of astronomical instruments, fixed in the plane of the meridian, all made by the late celebrated and perhaps hitherto unrivalled artist Mr. John Bird, at the expence of more than eleven hundred pounds; consisting of two quadrants, each of eight feet radius; a transit instrument of eight feet; and a zenith-sector of twelve. In the western wing is placed a set of smaller instruments for the use of the students, and such gentlemen as chuse to apply themselves to practical astronomy. The dwelling-house for the professor is very commodiously connected with the eastern wing of the observatory by an elegant covered way. Towards the lower part of the field stands a small circular building, with a moveable roof, in which is to be placed an equatorial sector for the purposes of observing the places of the heavenly bodies at any distance from the meridan. His grace the Duke of Marlborough, at the same time that he gave to the Radcliffe trustees the piece of ground for the several purposes of this observatory, was also pleased to present to the university a reflecting telescope of twelve feet, made by the late Mr. James Short, which, as we are well informed, cost upwards of one thousand pounds. For the reception of this instrument a detached building, with a moveable roof, will speedily be erected. The situation of this observatory is extremely advantageous, as it commands a very extensive horizon, and is scarcely in any wise liable to be incommoded by the smoke of the town. This elegant building was executed under the survey of the ingenious Mr. Wyatt.

[page 114] The principle bridges are, 1. Magdalen-bridge, over the Cherwell, being five hundred and twenty-six feet in length, by which we enter the town from London. 2. High-bridge, or Hithe-bridge, in the western suburb, over the Isis, consisting of three arches. 3. Folly-bridge, as it is commonly called, in the southern suburb, on the same river, over which is the Abingdon road, which leads to various parts of Berkshire, &c. This consists of three arches, and is, like the rest, entirely built with stone.

The city of Oxford, with its suburbs and liberties, consists of fourteen parishes, viz.

Only four of the churches belonging to these parishes are worth observation, viz. St. Mary's, All Saints, St. Peter's, and St. John's.

The church od St. Mary, in which the public sermons of the university are preached on Sundays and holidays, is situated about the middle of the north side of the High-street. It was rebuilt in the reign of Henry VII. as it appears at present. It consists of three aisles, with a spacious choir or chancel, which is separated from the nave by an organ, with its gallery, originally made by Father Smith, and since improved by Mr. John Byfield. The pulpit is placed in the centre of the middle aisle. At the west end of the same aisle is situated the vice-chancellor's throne, at the foot of which are seated the two proctors. The seats which descend on either side are apointed for the doctors and heads of houses, and those beneath for the young nobleman. The area consists of benches for the masters of arts. On the west end, with a return to the north and south, are galleries for the under graduates and bachelors of art. The tower, with its spire, is a noble and beautiful fabric, one hundred and eighty feet in height, and richly ornamented with pinnacles, niches, and statues, which, as Plott informs us, were added by King, the first bishop of Oxford, in the reign of Henry VIII. It contains six remarkably large bells, by which the proper notice is given for scholastic exercises, convocations, and congregations. On the south side is a portal of more modern structure, erected by Dr. Morgan Owen, chaplain to Archbishop Laud, A. D. 1637. Over it is a statue of the Virgin, with an Infant Christ holding a small crucifix; which last circumstance was formed into an article of impeachment against the archbishop by the Presbyterians, and urged as a corrobative proof of his attachment to popery. The choir, above-mentioned, was built by Walter Hart bishop of Norwich, about A. D. 1462. The room on the north side of this choir, formerly a library, has lately been converted into a law-school, for the lectures of the Vinerian professor; and, being refitted in the stile of the rest, is no small ornament to this part of the church.

The church od St. Peter in the East, standing near the High-street, was partly built by St. Grymbald, eight hundred years ago; and is reported to be the first church of stone that appeared in this part of England. It was formerly the university church; and even at present, with a view of ascertaining their original claim, the university attend their sermons in it every Sunday in the afternoon during Lent. The tower and east end are curious pieces of antiquity. In the [page 115] year 1760 this church was beautified and new pewed at the expence of the parish; and in 1768, by a liberal subscription from the inhabitants and such heads of houses as live in the parish, the organ was rebuilt by Messrs. Green and Byfield of London.

The church of St. John is an august Gothic edifice, with a tower, in which are eight bells. Its choir, or inner chapel, is the longest of any in the university, that of New College excepted. It had once an organ, yet without any regular institution for choir-service, before the present stalls and wainscot were put up. There is something elegant in the painted glass and the design of the east window, which is of a modern hand. The anti-chapel is proportionably spacious, and was originally much larger; for, if we examine the outside of the church towards the west, we may perceive the arches filled up which once stood within, and made part of, the nave. Near the altar are the monuments of Sir Thomas Bodley and Sir Henry Saville. On the right hand of the choir door is that of the late warden Dr. Wintle, and his sister, which is prettily executed; and not far from the north door of the anti-chapel is an inscription to the memory of Anthony Wood. This church, as we are informed by a manuscript of Wood, was built about the year 1424, but it does not appear by what benefactor.

We must not here omit the many elegant and useful improvements that have taken place in pursuance of an act of parliament obtained in the 11th year of his present majesty. — The narrow and incommodious passage at Eastgate has been opened, which renders this part equal to the magnificence of the High-street; and in the year 1779 a new stone bridge, at this entrance of the town, was erected at the expence of upwards of eight thousand pounds.

At Carfax, in the very centre of the city, many buildings have been removed in order to continue the principal street, which opens a fine avenue to the new Bottley road, now completely finished, on a superb plan; as it contains no less than seven bridges, built with hewn stone, in the compass of one mile. — Northgate, usually called Bocardo, the only city gate lately remaining, has also been demolished; and the removal of this nuisance perhaps produces the most striking effect of any of these modern improvements; the Corn-market and St. Giles's being now connected and thrown into one long and noble street. — The old shambles in the Butcher-row are likewise taken away, and a new general market, upon an extensive scale, is erected between the High-street and Jesus College Lane; which market is universally allowed to exceed every thing of the kind in this kingdom. At the south entrance from the High-street it contains forty commodious shops for butchers. North of these are eight others equally commodious, occupied by gardeners, &c. between which are two spacious colonades for poultry, eggs, bacon, cheese, &c. &c. divided into forty stalls; and beyond these, extending quite to Jesus College Lane, is a large area for country gardeners, fruit, and divers other commodities. There are likewise three avenues running through in direct lines, intersected by another in the middle, affording a free currency of air; and in the front four elegant and commodious houses have been erected, which give an additional ornament to one of the finest streets in Europe. The open part of this market, fronting Jesus College, is inclosed by an iron pallisade; and the avenues opening upon the New Parade in the High-street are secured by iron gates. The whole extent of the ground appropriated to the purpose of erecting this market, is from north to south three hundred and forty-seven feet, and from east to west one hundred and twelve.

The University of Oxford has many fabulous accounts relating to the time of its origin. It most probably was instituted soon after the propagation of Christianity in this kingdom. Alfred is supposed by some to have been its founder; but Alfred rather appears to have restored it in an age of confusion and ignorance, and to have been the father of that establishment and secuity, which, notwithstanding some temporary shocks and interruptions, it has maintained ever since. Alfred erected certain schools or halls, and assigned pensions to the students. The first college of the university, incorporated by royal charter, was that of Walter de Merton, A. D. 1274; about which time fifteen thousand [page 116] scholars are reported to have been resident here: but in the reign of Henry III. the university is said to have consisted of double that number.

Of the public buildings more particularly belonging to the university, we have already noticed St. Mary's church. The rest here follow in order.

The new or Radelivian Library is situated in the midst of an ample and superb square, formed by St. Mary's church, the schools, Brazen Nose, and All Souls, Colleges. This sumptuous building stands on arcades, which, circularly disposed, enclose a spacious dome in the centre. From hence we pass by a well-executed flight of spiral steps into the library itself. This room, which is a complete pattern of elegance and majesty, rises into a capacious dome, ornamented with a fine compartments of stucco. The pavement is of two colours, and made of a peculiar species of stone brought from Hartz Forest in Germany. The room is enclosed by a circular series of arches beautified with festoons, and supported by pilasters of the Ionic order. Behind these arches are formed two circular galleries, above and below, where the books are arranged. The compartments of the ceiling, in the upper gallery, are finely stuccoed. Over the door at the front entrance is a statue of the founder Dr. Radcliffe, by Rysbrac, which is most advantageously viewed from the point opposite to it, in the last-mentioned gallery. Over the entrance of one of the galleries is a good bust of Gibbes, the architect. — The first stone was laid May 17, A. D. 1737, and the library opened April 13, 1749, with great solemnity. The librarian, according to the founder's appointment, is nominated by the great officers of state.

The schools form a magnificent quadrangle. The principal front on the outside is about one hundred and seventy-five feet in length; in the centre of which is a noble tower, whose highest apartments are appointed for astronomical observations and other philosophical experiments. The inside of this part must please every lover of ancient grandeur. Three sides of the upper story of the quadrangle are one entire room, called the Picture Gallery. This is chiefly furnished with valuable portraits of founders and benefactors, and of other eminent men; as also with cabinets of medals and cases of books. It was wainscotted by the munificence of Dr. Butler, the late president of Magdalen College, and the late Duke of Beaufort. About the middle of it stands a noble statue in brass of Philip earl of Pembroke, designed by Rubens, and cast by hubert le Soeur, a Frenchman, the same who did the equestrian statue of Charles I. at Charing-cross. This room is, in reality, a part or continuation of the Bodleian Library. Under it are the schools of the several sciences; in one of which are placed the Arundelian marbles, given to the university by Henry Howard, earl-marshal, grandson to Lord Arundel, at the instance of Mr. Eveline, when Arundel-house in the Strand was taken down; and in another the collection of statues, &c. lately presented to the university by the Countess of Pomfret. — The first stone of the schools was laid March 30, 1613; and the building was carried on at the combined expence of many benefactors.

The Bodleian or Public Library is a part or member of the last-mentioned edifice. It consists of three spacious and lofty rooms, disposed in the form of the Roman H. The middle room was erected by Humphrey duke of Gloucester, over the Divinity-school, about the year 1440, and by him furnished with books, all which have been since lost. The gallery on the west was raised at the expense of the university, under the chancellorship of Archbishop Laud, together with the convocation-house beneath. The vestibule or first gallery, with the proscholium under it, was built by Sir Thomas Bodley, who furnished the whole with a collection made with prodigious care and expence. He likewise assigned an estate for the maintenance of a librarian, &c. and the support of a public fund for the library, adding a body of statutes for the regulation of his new institution. By these services he justly deserved the name of the founder of the library. He died January 28, 1612. — The original stock has been greatly enriched by the accession of many valuable collections of manuscripts, particularly Greek and Oriental; besides large additions of choice and useful books from various donations. [page 117] The principal benefactors have been the Earl of Pembroke, Archbishop Laud, Sir Thomas Roe, Sir Kenelm Digby, General Fairfax, Dr. Marshal, Dr. Barlow, Dr. Rawlinson, Mr. St. Amand, &c. The library is now in a very flourishing condition; which it is likely to preserve and improve, under the management of the present vigilant and learned librarian. — Here is shewn a collection of English coins, the most complete in the kingdom, given by Browne Willis, and since augmented by the bequest of Dr. Rawlinson. — Before the year 1300 the library of the university consisted of a few traits kept in the choir of Mary's church. — It may be proper to take notice here, that the Bodleian Library and Picture Gallery can only be seen from eight in the morning till two o'clock, and from three to five in the afternoon, from Lady-day to Michaelmas: in the winter half-year from nine in the morning to three in the afternoon.

The Divinity-school stands under the same roof. It was begun at the expence of the university, A. D. 1427, and afterwards completed, with its superstructure, by Duke Humphrey. Its ceiling is a most finished piece of Gothic masonry, both in design and execution; and, on the whole, it is probably the most complete Gothic room in this kingdom. At the end ot it is the Convocation-house, which is a spacious room, commodiously furnished and handsomely decorated. It was built, with its superstructure, A. D. 1639.

Opposite to the Divinity-school stands the front of the Theatre, adorned with Corinthian pillars, and two statues of Archbishop Sheldon and the Duke of Ormond, with other decorations. At the entrance the mind is strongly and suddenly struck with ideas of majesty and grace. But this room exhibits the most august appearance when properly filled. It is equally disposed to contain, and shew to advantage, a large and solemn assembly. The vice-chancellor, with the two proctors, are seated in the centre of the semicircular part; on each hand are the young noblemen and doctors; the masters of arts in the area; the rest of the university, and strangers of both sexes, are placed in the galleries. The roof is flat, and, not being supported either by columns or archwork, rests on the side-walls, which are at the distance of eighty feet one way and seventy the other. This roof is covered with allegorical pictures done by Streater, serjeant-painter to King Charles II. but the colours, as well as the canvas, having been greatly injured by time, the work was cleaned and repaired in 1762 by Mr. Kettle, an ingenious portrait-painter of London; at which time the whole inside was also decorated with new gilding, painting, and other ornaments, at the expence of one thousand pounds; so that this is now universally allowed to be the most superb and splendid room in Europe. Besides the ceiling, the room is furnished with three full-length portraits of Archbishop Sheldon, the Duke of Ormons above-mentioned, and Sir Christopher Wren. Nor should we forget to mention a good statue of Charles II. on the outside of the circular part; the edifice being somewhat in the form of a ROman D. — This beautiful structure was erected from the design of Sir Christopher Wren, A. D. 1669, at the expence of Archbishop Sheldon, then chancellor; who, having bestowed fifteen thousand pounds in building it, endowed it with two thousand pounds to purchase lands for its perpetual repair. — In the Theatre are celebrated the public acts, and the annual commemoration of benefactors to the university on the 2d of July, instituted by the late Lord Crew bishop of Durham; with some other solemnities.

Westward of the Theatre stands the Ashmolean Museum, so called from its founder Elias Ashmole, Esq. Windsor herald in the reign of Charles II. This munificent patron of learning, in the year 1677, made an offer to bestow upon the university all the rarities he had purchased from the two Tradescants, successively physic-gardeners at Lambeth; together with his own collection of coins, manuscripts, &c. on condition that they should build a fabric for their reception. The building was accordingly erected, and finished in the year 1682, under the conduct of Sir Christopher Wren. Its front towards the street is about sixty feet in length. The eastern portico is remarkably well finished in the Corinthian order, and adorned with a variety of characteristical embellishments. This piece [page 118] of architecture is deservedly reckoned equal to any in the university; though, like many others, it is so much crouded by the neighbouring buildings, that the spectator cannot command a proper view of it. — In pursuance of his promise, Ashmole presented to the university a large and valuable collection of natural bodies, together with his coins and manuscripts; he also bequeathed at his death three gold chains, one of philigrain work consisting of sixty links, weighing twenty-two ounces, with a medal of the Duke of Brandeburgh; the other a collar of S's, with a medal of the late King of Denmark; and the third a chain of equal weight and value, with a medal of the Emperor Joseph; all which he had received as honorary presents on occasion of his book concerning the Order of the Garter. — The Museum has been greatly enriched since its first foundation by several ample and valuable benefactions. The chief natural curiosities are a large collection of bodies, horns, bones, &c. of animals, preserved dry or in spirits; numerous specimens of minerals and metals; shells, especially those of Dr. Martin Lister, mentioned in his History of the Animals of England, quarto; together with his ores, fossils, &c. many of which are described in the Philosophical Transactions, or in the pieces published by that ingenious naturalist. — It contains also a small but well chosen collection of exotic plants, sent from the East Indies by James Pound, M. B. But it has been chiefly indebted to the care and munificence of its two first keepers, Dr. Robert Plott and Mr. Edward Lhwyd; the former of which gave all the natural bodies mentioned in his Histories of the Counties of Stafford and Oxon, and the latter the large collections he had made in his travels through the greatest part of England, Wales, and Ireland. A catalogue of many of these was published by himself, elegantly adorned with copper-plates, in the year 1669, under the title of Lithophylacii Britannici Ichnographia. To thes valuable treasures a great addition has lately been made by the Rev. William Borlase, who presented to the university all the specimens of chrystals, mundies, coppers, tins, &c. described in his Natural History of Cornwall; which present he also accompanied with his manuscript copy of the history and the original drawings. — Amongst the curiosities of nature must be reckoned the large magnet given to the Museum by the Right Hon. the Countess of Westmoreland, the lady of the late chancellor. It is of an oval shape, its longer diameter eighteen inches, its shorter twelve, and supports a weight of one hundred and forty-five pounds. It is encosed in an elegant case of mahogany, made at his lordship's expence; and may be justly deemed one of the greatest ornaments, as well as rarities, of this place. — Nor is this repository deficient in a good collection of antiquities; such as urns, statues, sacrificial vessels, and utensils; it being possessed of most of those described in the Britannia by Bishop Gibson, page 695. Here are also many Grecian, Roman, and Saxon, coins, the gifts of the founder and Thomas Braithwaite, Esq. — Amongst the works of art, a model of a ship given by Dr. Clark, and a picture representing our Saviour going to his Crucifixion, made of feathers, deserve particular notice; also a very ancient piece of St. Cuthbert, made by order of King Alfred, and worn, as is supposed, by that monarch. — Here are also some good paintings: a dead Christ, the work of Annibal Carracci; several portraits of the Tradescant family, particularly Sir John the grandfather, drawn after his death; Thomas earl of Arundel and the Duke of Norfolk his son, by Vandyke; likewise the founder of the museum, in a carved frame of elegant workmanship, and an extraordinary representation of Christ's Descent into Hell, by Brugell. — Besides the room in which the curiosities are deposited, there are three small libraries; the first called by the name of Ashmole's Study, containing his printed books and manuscripts, chiefly relating to matters of heraldry and antiquity; in which also are the manuscripts of Sir William Dugdale, author of the Monasticon, &c. The second is that of Dr. Lister, consisting of printed books in physic, and the best editions of the classics, in which also are preserved the copper-plates belonging to the History of Shells published by that author, of which a new and improved edition has been lately printed at the expence of the university. The last is that of Anthony Wood, [page 119] containing.the valuable manuscript collection of that learned and laborious antiquarian. — In the room on the first floor lectures are read in experimental philosophy. underneath is an elaboratory for courses of chemistry and anatomy. — The care and direction of the Museum is ested in six visitors, viz. the vice-chanceller, the Dean of Christchurch, the principal of Brazen Nose, the king's professor of physic, and the two proctors for the time being. These have the nomination of the head keeper, and meet annually on Trinity-Monday to inspect the state of the collection, and to pass the accounts. Ashmole designed to have endowed his foundation with ample revenues, and has in his statutes expressed the sums appointed for this purpose, namely, fifty pounds per ann. for the head keeper, fifteen pounds to the librarian, and five pounds for an assistant; but this generous intention was never put into execution; so that the profits at present arise only from the gratuities given by strangers for the exhibition of the curiosities, which fall greatly short of the original design.

The Claredon Printing-house is almost contiguous to the theatre. It is a magnificent structure, consisting of two stories, and is one hundred and fifteen feet in length. The street-front has a noble Doric portico, whose columns equal the height of the first story. The back front is adorned with three-quarter columns of the same dimensions, and a statue of the Earl of Claredon. Over the top of the building are statues of the Nine Muses. As we enter from the schools, on the right hand, are two rooms where Bibles and Books of Common Prayer are printed; over which are large and elegant apartments. The left side consists of rooms for the university press; together with one well-executed apartment, adorned with an excellent portrait of Queen Anne, by Kneller, appointed for the meetings of the heads of houses and delegates. — This edifice was built, A. D. 1711, by the profits arising from the sale of Lord Clarendon's History of the Rebellion; the copy of which had been presented to the university by his sons, the Lords Clarendon and Rochester.

COLLEGES

MAGDALEN COLLEGE. — The college of St. Mary Magdalen is situated at the eastern termination of the city, on the borders of the river Cherwell. A Doric portal, decorated with a statue of the founder, introduces us to the west front of the college, which is a striking specimen of the Gothic manner. The gate under the west window of the chapel demands a minute examination. It is adorned with five small, but elegant, figures; that on the right represents the founder; the next is William of Wykeham, in whose college of Winchester the founder was schoolmaster; the third is St. Mary Magdalen, to whom the college is dedicated; the fourth is Henry III. who founded the hospital, since converted into this college; and the last St. John the Baptist, by whose name the said hospital was called.

On the left are the lodgings of the president, lately much enlarged and improved. Nearly contiguous to these is a stately gateway, the original entrance into the college, but since disused, beneath a tower, whose sides are adorned with statues of four of the persons above-mentioned.

From this area we pass into a cloister which surrounds a venerable old quadrangle. On the south are the chapel and hall. We enter the chapel on the right hand at entering the cloister. The anti-chapel is spacious, supported with two staff-moulded pillars, extremely light, where a new pulpit of elegant workmanship, in the Gothic stile, together with seats on each side, have lately been erected. In the west window are some fine remains of glass painted in chiaro obscuro. The subject is the Resurrection. The design is after one invented and executed by Schwartz, for the wife of William duke of Bavaria, more than two hundred years since, which was afterwards engraved by Sadeler. The choir is solemn and handsomely decorated. The windows, each of which contains six figures, almost as large as life, of primitive fathers, saints, martyrs, and apostles, are finely painted in the taste, and about the time, of that just described. These windows formerly belonged to the anti-chapel, the two near the [page 120] altar excepted, which were lately done, being all removed hither, A. D. 1741. In the confusion of the civil wars the original choir windows were taken down and concealed. They did not, however, escape the rage of fanaticism and ignorance: they were unluckily discovered by a party of Cromwell's troopers, who, spreading them along the cloisters, jumped upon them in their jack-boots with the utmost satisfaction, and entirely destroyed them. The altar-piece was performed by Isaac Fuller, about a century ago. It represents the Resurrection. This painting is elegantly celebrated by Mr. Addison, formerly a student of this house, in a Latin poem printed in the Musoe Anglicanoe. Under this piece is another admirable picture of our Lord bearing the cross, supposed to be the work of Guido. It was taken at Vigo; and, being brought into England by the late Duke of Ormond, came into the possession of William Freeman, Esq. of Hamels in Hertfordshire, who gave it to the society. The altar is fitted up in the modern stile, with a well-executed wainscot, and columns of the Corinthian order, charged with other elegant embellishments. It is designed to wainscot the whole choir in the same manner. Choir-service is performed in this chapel at ten and four every day; except that on Sundays and holidays the morning servoce is sung at eight, as it is in all the choirs of the university.

The hall is a stately Gothic room, well proportioned and handsomely finished. It has four whole-length portraits, viz. of the founder, Dr. Butler, William Freeman, and Prince Rupert; and two half-length, viz. Bishop Warner and Dr. Hammond.

Great pains have been taken to unriddle the latent meaning of the hieroglyphics which surround the cloister. Some affirm that they are nothing more than the licentious invention of the mason; while others as warmly contend that they contain a complete system of academical discipline.

From this court, through a narrow passage on the north, we are led into a beautiful opening, one side of which is bounded by a noble and elegant edifice in the modern taste, consisting of three stories, three hundred feet in length. The front rests on an arcade, whose roof is finely stuccoed. It is intended to add two other sides; but, as the present opening to the meadows and hills on the right produces so charming an effect, we could almost wish the college might never execute their original design. Through the centre of this building we pass into the grove, or paddock, which is formed into many delightful walks and lawns, and stocked with about thirty or forty head of deer.

No college enjoys a more agreeable or extensive environ. Besides the grove just mentioned, there is a meadow, within the college precincts, consisting of about thirteen acres, surrounded by a pleasent walk called the Water-walk. The whole circuit of the walk is washed by branches of the Cherwell, and has many pretty rural prospects, one of which, from the east, commands the new bridge. This walk is shaded with hedges and lofty trees, which in one part grow wild, and in the other are cut and disposed regularly. Here is a very venerable oak, which is supposed to have existed in the founder's time, of uncommon size. A beautiful opening has lately been made on the west side into the college-grove, by demolishing the old embattled wall on the banks of the river.

The college was founded by William Pattern, a native of Wainfleet, in Lincolnshire, from whence he has been usually stiled William of Wainfleet. He was educated at Winchester school, and afterwards took his degree at Oxford, but in what college cannot at this distance of time be determined with certainty. He was first preferred to the mastership of Winchester school; from thence made provost of Eaton college; advanced to the bishopric of Winchester, A. D. 1447; and constituted lord high chancellor of England, A. D. 1446.

He founded the college, A. D. 1456, for the support of one president, forty fellows, thirty demies, eligible from any school or county, a divinity lecturer, a schoolmaster and usher, four chaplains, one organist, eight clerks, and sixteen choristers. It was erected on the scite of St. John's Hospital, in remembrance of which a sermon is annually preached in the college on St. John's day. [page 121] Part of the original walls of the said hospital are yet to be seen on the south side of the chapel.

The original endowment was most munificent; which yet has been augmented by many considerable benefactors. The most distinguished are Henry VI. William Fitz Alan earl of Arundel, Claymond, Morwent, &c. Cardinal Wolsey, when bursar of the college, A. D. 1492, erected the tower, which is exceeded by none is strength, height, and beauty; and contains a musical peal of ten bells.

The college at this time consists of a president, forty fellows, thirty demies, a divinity lecturer, a schoolmaster, an usher, four chaplains, an organist, eight clerks, and sixteen choristers. The whole number of students about one hundred and twenty. — Visitor. The Bishop of Winchester.

The Physic Garden is situated to the south of Magdalen College. We pass through a small court to the grand entrance, designed by Inigo Jones, and executed by Nicholas Stone. It is of the Doric order, and ornamented with rustic work. It is moreover adorned with a bust of the founder Lord Danby, a statue of Charles I. and another of Charles II. These statues were purchased for 34l. being the fine imposed on the university by Anthony Wood. On the face of the corona and the frieze is the following inscription: "Gloriæ Dei optimi maximi Honori Caroli I. Regis in Usum Academiæ et Reipublicæ Henricus Comes Danby, Anno 1632." The same inscription is on the garden front. — The Garden, which is five acres in circumference, is surrounded by a noble wall, with other portals in the rustic stile at proper distances. The ground is divided into four quarters. On the right and left, at the entrance, are two neat and convenient green-houses, stocked with a valuable collection of exotics. The quarters are filled with a complete series of such plants as grow naturally, disposed in their respective classes. Without the walls, on the east, is an admirable hot-house; where various plants, brought from the warmer climates, are raised. — This Garden was instituted by the Earl of Danby above-mentioned, A. D. 1632; who, having replenished it with plants for the use of students in botany, settled an annual revenue for its support. It has been since much improved by Dr. Sherrard, who assigned 3000l. for the maintenance of a professor of botany.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE. — The magnificent front of this college is extended upwards of two hundred and sixty feet along the south side of the High-street. In it, at due distances, are two stately portals, with a tower over each. That on the west leads into the old court, which is a handsome Gothic quadrangle of one hundred feet square. Over the gate at the entrance, on the outside, is a statue of Queen Anne, and within another of James II. Over the eastern entrance, on the outside, is also one of Queen Mary, wife of William III. On the south of the western quadrangle are the chapel and hall. The statue of St. Cuthbert is over the gate of the chapel, and that of Alfred at the entrance of the hall. The altar-window was given by Dr. Radcliffe, as appears by its inscription, A. D. 1687. The roof of the chapel is a well-wrought frame of Norway oak. The hall has been lately fitted up in a very beautiful Gothic stile, at the expence of many generous contributions, and is a most complete room of the kind. It is of the age of the chapel.

From this court, through a narrow passage on the east, we are led into another area of three sides. It is opened to a garden on the south. The east and part of the north side are taken up by the lodgings of the master, which are commodious and extensive. In a niche over the gate on the north is a statue of Dr. Radcliffe. The sides of this court are about eighty feet.

King Alfred is said to have founded this college, A. D. 872. It is evident that he erected certain halls in Oxford, near, or on the spot, where this college now stands; and that he endowed the students of them with certain pensions issuing from the exchequer. But it is no less certain that these halls were alienated to the citizens, and that their pensions were suppressed about the reign of the Conqueror. In fact, the founder of this college appears to be William archdeacon of Durham, who, purchasing (A. D. 1209) one of the halls which had been [page 122] originally erected by Alfred, and very probably stiled University Hall, of the citizens, endowed with lands. A society being thus established, many other benefactors afterwards appeared, who improved the revenues and buildings. Of these the most considerable are, Walter Skirla bishop of Durham, who founded three fellowships. Henry Percy earl of Northumberland, A. D. 1443, added the same number. Sir Simon Bennet, in the reign of Charles I. established four fellowships and four scholarships. Many others have likewaise founded fellowships and exhibitions.

In the common room is an excellent bust in statuary marble of King Alfred, the first founder of this college, executed by Mr. Wilton from an admirable model of Mr. Rysbrac. This is supposed to be one of the best pieces of modern sculpture in the university, and deserves the attention of the curious. It was presented to the college by Lord Viscount Folkstone.

As to the buildings, the present spacious, splendid, and uniform, structure, began to be erected, A. D. 1634, by the benefaction of Charles Greenwood, formerly fellow, and was soon carried on by Sir Simon Bennet above-mentioned. Nor were succeeding patrons wanting to continue so noble a work, till it was finally completed by Dr. John Radcliffe, who erected the whole eastern quadrangle entirely at his own expence. He likewise settled on the college six hundred poundes per ann. for two travelling fellowships.

The present society consists of a master, twelve fellows, seventeen scholars, with many other students, amounting in the whole to near seventy. — Visitor. The King.

QUEEN'S COLLEGE. — Opposite to University College, on the north side of the High-street, stands Queen's College. The front, which is formed in the stile of the Luxembourg Palace, is at once magnificent and elegant. In the middle of it is a super cupola, the construction of which is by some thought too heavy for the rest. under it is a statue of the late Queen Caroline.

The first court is one hundred and forty feet in length and one hundred and thirty in breadth. A beautiful cloister surrounds this court except on the north side. Over the western cloister are the provost's lodgings, which are spacious and splendid. The north side is formed by the chapel and hall, and finely finished in the Doric order. In the centre, over a portico leading to the north court, stands a handsome cupola, supported by eight Ionic columns.

The chapel is one hundred feet long and thirty broad. It is ornamented, in the Corinthian order, with a beautiful ceiling of fretwork. The windows are all of fine old painted glass, viz. 1518; that over the altar excepted, representing our Lord's Nativity, which was executed by Mr. Price, A. D. 1717. The most remarkable are two on the north side of the Last Judgment, and two on the south of the Ascension. These, with the rest, were removed hither from the old chapel. There is an Ascension in the roof by Sir James Thornhill.

The hall is fitted up in the Doric order, and has an admirable proportion. It is sixty feet long and thirty broad, with an arched roof of a correspondent height. It is furnished with portraits of the founder and benefactors. Over the screen is a handsome gallery intended for music, and as a vestibule to the common room, to which it leads.

The north court is one hundred and thirty feet long and ninety broad. On the west stands the library, which is of the Corinthian order. Under the east side of this edifice runs a cloister; its west side is adorned with statues of the founder and benefactors, and other pieces of sculpture. The room within is highly finished. The book-cases, which are of Norway oak, are decorated with well-wrought carvings, and in the ceiling are some admirable compartments of stucco.

The whole area on which this beautiful college, which is one entire piece of well-executed modern architecture, stands, is an oblong square, three hundred feet in length and two hundred and twenty feet in breadth; which, being divided by the hall and chapel, is formed into the two courts just described.

[page 123] Robert Egglesfield, a native of Cumberland, and confessor to Queen Philippa, founded this college, A. D. 1340, for one provost and twelve fellows, to be chosen from the counties of Cumberland and Westmoreland. To these he intended to annex seventy children or scholars: a few of which number only, the founder's entire design being prevented by his death, were really established. The benefactors have been very numerous. The chief of them are Edward II. and his Queen Philippa, from whom it was called Queen's College; King Charles I. who gave six advowsons; Sir Joseph Williamson, Knt. and Drs. Lancaster and Halton, formerly provosts; Sir Francis Bridgeman, Lady Betty Hastings, &c.

The present edifice was begun by Sir Joseph Williamson, Knt. above-mentioned, 1672, who was a most munificent contributor; and, being continued by the liberality of several intermediate benefactors, was at length completed by the noble legacy of Mr. Mitchell, of Richmond, who likewise founded eight fellowships and four scholarships. These fellows and scholars have handsome apartments appropriated to them in the new buildings, besides an annual stipend of fifty pounds to each of the former; and thirty pounds per annum to each of the latter. This foundation was first filled up by election, from other colleges of the university, on the 26th of October, 1764.

The custom of ushering in the boar's head with a song, on Christmas-day, is, at present, peculiar to this college; but it was formerly practised all over the kingdom; and the carol here sung on this occasion is literally the same with that which was once universally used, except some few local alterations.

Edward the Black Prince had lodgings in this college, and King Henry V. studied in the same room.

The college consists at present of a provost, sixteen fellows, two chaplains, eight taberdars, so called from taburdum, a short gown which they formerly wore, sixteen scholars, two clerks, and forty exhibitioners. To these we may add the members of Mr. Mitchell's new foundation, just mentioned. The number of students of every sort is above one hundred. — Visitor. The Archbishop of York.

ALL SOULS COLLEGE. — All Souls College is situated in the High-street, westward of Queen's College. Over the gateway are the statues of the founder Henry Chichely and Henry VI.

The first or old court is a decent Gothic edifice, one hundred and twenty-four feet in length and seventy-two in breadth. The chapel on the north side is a stately pile. The anti-chapel, in which are some remarkable monuments, is seventy feet long and thirty broad. We enter the inner chapel, which is of the same dimensions, by a grand flight of marble steps, through a screen constructed by Sir Christopher Wren. The spacious environ of the altar consists of the richest red-vein marble. Above is a fine assumption-piece of the founder, by Sir James Thornhill. The compartment immediately over the communion-table is filled with a picture painted at Rome, in the year 1771, by the celebrated Mr. Mengs. The subject of this piece is our Saviour's first Appearance to Mary Magdalen after his Resurrection, which is generally called, b the painters, a Noli me tangere, in allusion to the first words of Christ's speech to her, "Touch me not." This picture is reckoned, by all good judges, to have great merit. The colouring is exquisite; especially in the body of our Saviour. There is something very amiable, mixed with great dignity, in the countenance and character of this figure; while the mild composure of it is finely contrasted by that extacy of joy and astonishment which appears on the face of Mary. On the right and left, at the approach to the altar, are two inimitable urns by Sir James Thornhill, respectively representing, in their bas-reliefs, the institution of the two Sacraments. Between the windows, on each side, are figures of saints in chiaro obscuro, bigger than life: four of these represent St. Ambrose, St. Jerome, St. Austin, and St. Gregory, the four Latin fathers, to whom the chapel is dedicated. The ceiling is disposed into compartments embelished with [page 124] carving and gilding. The whole has an air of much splendour and dignity, and is viewed to the best advantage from the screen.

The hall, which forms one side of an area to the east, is an elegant modern room. It is furnished with portraits of the munificent founder, Colonel Codrington, and Sir Nathaniel Lloyd. At the high table is an historical piece by Sir James Thornhill, whose subject is the Finding of the Law. The figure of Josias, rending his robe, is animated and expressive. Over the chimney-piece, which is handsomely executed in dove-coloured marble, is a bust of the founder: on one side is a bust of Linacre, formerly fellow, a famous physician in the reign of Henry VIII. and on the other of John Leland, a celebrated antiquarian and polite scholar, about the reign; supposed to have been a member of this house. Here is also a capital full-length statue of Mr. Justice Blackstone, executed by Bacon. The rest of the room is adorned with an admirable series of busts from the antique.

The adjoining buttery is worthy our observation; it is a well-proportioned room, of an oval form, having an arched roof of stone ornamented with curious workmanship. It was built with the hall.

The second court is a magnificent Gothic quadrangle, one hundred and seventy-two feet in length and a hundred and fifty-five in breadth. On the south are the chapel and hall; on the west a cloister, with a grand portico; on the north a library; and on the east two superb Gothic towers in the centre of a series of fine apartments. But, though we have called this court Gothic, it is plainly an imitation only of the Gothic stile: and the scenery which it forms, in conjunction with other buildings, is both grand and picturesque.

The library forms the whole north side of this court. It is two hundred feet in length, thirty in breadth, and forty in height; and finished in the most splendid and elegant manner. Its outside, in correspondence to the rest of the court, is Gothic. The room itself is furnished with two noble arrangements of book-cases, one above the other, supported by Doric and Ionic pilasters. The upper class is formed in a superb gallery, which surrounds three sides. About the middle of the room, on the north side, is a recess equal to the breadth of the whole room; and in its area is placed the statue of Colonel Codrington, the founder of the library. The ceiling, and spaces between the windows, are ornamented with the richest stucco, by Mr. Roberts. Over the gallery a series of bronzes is interchangeably disposed, consisting of vases and the busts of many eminent men, formerly fellows of this house.

This college was founded by Henry Chichely, a native of Higham Ferrers, in Northamptonshire, and one of the Wykeham's original fellows of New College, and, through a course of preferments, at length Archbishop of Canterbury, for one warden, forty fellows, two chaplains, three clerks, and three choristers, A. D. 1437. It is stiled in the charter, "The College of the Souls of all faithful people deceased, of Oxford."

For the more liberal endowment of this society, the founder procured of Henry VI. a grant of the revenues of many of the dissolved alien priories. He expended, beside purchase-money for the scite, &c. the sum of 4545l. 15s. 5d. in the buildings of his college; namely, the present old court and the original refectory, which, with a cloister since removed, enclosed part of the area of the new quadrangle. At his decease he bequeathed to it 134l. 6s. 8d. and one thousand marks. In his statutes he gives a preference in elections to those candidates who shall prove themselves to be of his blood and kindred. These have multiplied so fast, within the space of four hundred years, that it is probable the time is not far off when the society will be entirely filled with his own relations. It appears by the Stemmata Chicheleana, or Pedigrees of the Chichely Family, published in the year 1765; and from the supplement to that collection published in the year 1775; that upwards of one hundred and twenty families of the English peerage, between fifty and sixty of the Scotch and Irish, more than one hundred and thirty of the English baronetage, with many hundreds of the gentry and commonalty of England, Scotland, and Ireland, may now derive themselves [page 125] from the same stock with the founder of All Souls, viz. from his father Thomas Chichely, of Higham Ferrers.

The principal benefactors are, Colonel Christopher Codrington, governor of the Leeward Islands, formerly fellow, who, besides a valuable collection of books, granted by will 6000l. for building the library, and 4000l. for the purchasing of books; Dr. George Clarke, the late Duke of Wharton, Doddington Greville, Lieutenant-colonel Stewart, and Sir Nathaniel Lloyd. Of the combined munificence of all or most of these, the second court, above described, is an illustrious monument.

We must not omit a remarkable ceremony which is annually celebrated in this college; the solemn commemoration of the discovery of a mallard of an extraordinary size, in a drain or sewer, at the time of digging for the foundation of the walls. This peculiar custom we are rather induced to mention, as it has given occasion to a pamphlet of infinite wit and humour, entitled "A complete Vindication of the Mallard of All Souls College, &c."

That learned antiquarian, the Rev. Mr. Pointer, rector of Slapton, in Northamptonshire, had insinuated that this mallard was in fact a goose. A suggestion mot less false than injurious; and which the author of the above pamphlet has clearly confuted, from the authentic account which Thomas of Walsingham has given of every circumstance relating to the original detection of this wonderful bird, in a manuscript said to be deposited in the Bodleian Library. Whatever the real truth of the controversy may be, it is well known that every year, on the 14th day of January, an entertainment is provided in the evening, and an excellent old ballard, adapted to ancient music, is sung in remebrance of the mallard. This is called the Mallard Night.

This college consists of one warden, forty fellows, two chaplains, three clerks, and six choristers. No independent students are admitted. — Visitor. The Archbishop of Canterbury.

BRAZEN-NOSE COLLEGE. — Brazen-nose College constitutes the west side of the Radcliffe Square. It has two courts: the first, which is the original one, consists of the old lodgings of the principal, the chambers of the fellows and students, and the refectory, which is elegantly fitted up and adorned with portraits. Over its portico are two antique busts; the one of Alfred, who built Little University Hall, or King's Hall, on the scite of which the present college is partly founded; and the other of John Erigena, a Scotchman, who first read lectures in the said hall, A. D. 882. Over the door leading up to the common room, which was originally the chapel, is the following inscription, "A^a. Xii 1509, et Reg. Hen. 8 pri^o.

Nomine divino Lyncoln præful, quoque Sutton,
Hanc posuere petram regis ad imperium."

i. e. "In the name of God, the Bishop of Lincoln, and Sutton, laid this stone at the command of the king." In this court is a statue of Cain and Abel.

We enter the second court through a passage on the left hand of the gate of the first. The cloister on the east side supports the library. On the south stands the chapel, whih is at once neat and splendid. The roof, which being a frame of wood, is an admirable imitation of Gothic stone-work; and the altar, with its decorations; particularly demand our attention. It was finished A. D. 1667, as was the whole court. The east window of this chapel is enriched by compartments of painted glass, finely executed by Pearson, from a painting of the late celebrated Mr. Mortimer.

An elegant house connected with the college, and fronting the High-street, has been lately suted up at a considerable expence for the principal.

This college was founded, A. D. 1509, by Richard Smith bishop of Lincoln, and Richard Sutton, of Presbury, in Cheshire, Knt. for the maintenance of one principal and fifteen fellows. To this number succeeding benefactions have added five fellows, thirty-two scholars, and four exhibitioners. The late [page 126] principal, Dr. Shippen, was likewise a memorable benefactor to this house by procuring it several advowsons.

With regard to the very singular name of this college, it appears, that the founders erected their house on the scite of two ancient hostels or halls; Little University Hall mentioned above, and Brazen-nose Hall. The latter of these acquired its name from some students removed to it from a seminary in the temporary University of Stmford, so denominated on account of an iron ring fixed in a nose of brass, and serving as a knocker to the gate.

The present members of this house are, one principal, twenty fellows, thirty-two scholars, and four exhibitioners; together with about forty or fifty students besides. — Visitor. The Bishop of Lincoln.

HERTFORD COLLEGE. — This college stands opposite to the grand gate of the Schools. It consists of one irregular court, which has been lately beautified from a fund raised for that purpose by the late principal. Part of this court consists of a small quantity of modern buildings, viz. the south-east angle and the chapel, erected about thirty years since; in the stile of which the whole college is to be rebuilt. A plan of the projected quadrangle may be seen in the Oxford Almanack of the year 1747.

This house was formerly called Hartford or Hart Hall, founded by Walter Stapleton bishop of Exeter, A. D. 1312, and belonged to Exeter College. Having received a charter of incorporation from Dr. Richard Newton, a late learned and public-spirited principal, who has also consigned an estate towards its endowment, this ancient hostel was converted into a college, September 8, 1740.

The foundation consists of a principal, four senior fellows or tutors, and junior fellows or assistants, beside a certain number of students or scholars. — Visitor. The Chancellor of the University.

NEW COLLEGE. — New College is situated eastward of the Schools, and is separated from Queen's College by a narrow lane on the south.

The first court is about one hundred and sixty-eight feet in length and a hundred and twenty-nine in breadth. In the centre is a statue of Minerva, given by Sir Henry Parker, of Honington, in Warwickshire. The north side, which consists of the chapel and hall, is a noble specimen of Gothic magnificence. The two upper stories of the east side form the library. On the west are the lodgings of the warden, which are commodious and ample, adorned with many valuable portraits. The third story of this court was added to the founder's original building, A. D. 1674.

We enter the chapel at the north-west angle. This chapel exceeds all in the university. The anti-chapel, which is supported by two pillars of fine proportion, runs at right angles to the choir, and is eighty feet long and thirty-six broad. The choir, which we enter by a Gothic screen of beautiful construction, is one hundred feet long, thirty-five broad, and sixty-five high.

Over the communion-table is an original painting of Annibal Carracci, presented to this college by the Earl of Radnor. The subject of this piece is the Shepherds coming to Christ immediately after his Nativity. The Virgin, Angels, and Shepherds, are represented as jointly celebrating the Nativity in the divine hymn of "Glory to God in the Highest, &c." The composition and drawing are admirable. The force and spirit of the shepherds are finely contrasted by the elegance and grace of the Virgin and attending angels. It is observable, that, by the different attitudes of the shepherds, the painter ingeniously discovers the whole muscling of the human body; which is displayed with great truth and science. The stile of the landscape is great, and the colouring warm, but grave and solem. The picture seems at length to have reached its original destination, for there is great reason to believe it was intended for an altar-piece. This valuable piece, it is said, was once in the possession of that judicious collector M. Colbert, minister to Louis XIV. The altar itself is approached by a noble flight of marble steps. It is enclosed by a well-wrought rail of iron-work, the gift of Mr. Terry, formerly fellow, and is covered with a rich pall of crimson velvet given by Dr. Burton, formerly head master of Winchester school. [page 127] From this situation the organ, with the stall-work underneath, has a striking effect. Nor are the stalls, with their ornaments, on either side, unworthy of the rest, being remarkably elegant in the stile of the light Gothic.

But as the painted windows are a principal ornament of this chapel, it will not be improper to bestow on them a more particular description. — Of these there are four distinct sorts.

1. All the windows of the anti-chapel (the west excepted) are nearly, if not quite, as old as the chapel itself; and contain the portraits of patriarchs, prophets, saints, martyrs, &c. to the number of sixty-four, as large as life, and drawn without perspective, without the effect of light and shade, and ill-proportioned. Yet in these are some few remains which shew the brilliancy of their colours, and some traces of simplicity and beauty, particularly in the heads of the female figures in the window on the right hand of the entrance to the chapel.

2. The second sort are the windows on the north side of the chapel. These are in common stile of modern glass-painting. The three nearest to the organ (finished in 1774 after the designs of Rebecca) contain, in the lower range, the chief persons recorded in the Old Testament, from Adam to Moses; in the upper, twelve of the prophets. The two other windows are filled with our blessed Saviour, the Virgin Mary, and the twelve apostles. These figures stand each within a niche, upon a pedestal, and under a canopy of Gothic architecture. The whole is the workmanship of Mr. Peckitt, of York; the design and execution do equal honour to the painter, and there is great variety as well as brilliancy in the colouring.

3. The windows opposite to these, on the south side of the chapel, were painted, by Mr. Price, jun. in 1740. Each window represents eight figures of saints and martyrs, with their respective symbols and insignia; and, for expression, colouring, and effect, were esteemed equal if not superior to any thing ever executed on glass, till the appearance of the fourth sort, of which we now come to speak.

4. The west window of the anti-chapel consists of two ranges; in the lower are seven compartments, each near three feet wide and twelve high. In these stand seven allegorical figures, representing the four cardinal and three Christian virtues, in the manner following:

Temperance, pouring water out of a larger vessel into a smaller. Her common attribute, the bridle, lies at her feet.

Fortitude, in armour; her head resting on a broken column, which, though half destroyed, remains upright; her form robust, her look bold and resolute. A lion, her attendant, couches below her.

Faith, standing fixedly on both feet, and bearing a cross; her eyes and hand raised to heaven.

On the other side of the middle groupe (of which more hereafter) Hope, looking up to the same heaven, and springing towards it so eagerly, that her feet scarcely touch the ground. Part of an anchor, her attribute, is seen in the corner of her compartment.

Justice, looking with a steady and piercing eye through the dark shade that her arm casts over her face. In her left hand the steelyard, (a kind of balance less cumbrous, if not less vulgar, tha the scales which are usually given her.) Her right hand supports the sword.

Prudence, beholding, as in a mirror, the actions and manners of others, for the purpose of regulating her own by observation thereon. On her left arm an arrow joined with a remora, the respective emblems of swiftness and slowness; Prudence being a medium between both.

The middle groupe mentioned above, representing Charity, is worthy of especial notice for the expression of the figures therein contained. The fondling of the infant, the importunity of the boy, and the placid affection of the girl, together with the divided attention of the mother, are distinguishably and [page 128] judiciously marked with that knowledge of character which is generally conspicuous in the works of the eminent artist who gave this design.

Such are the figures which fill the lower compartments of this window; but they are only a subordinate part, and (as it were) a basis to the great work that is erected over them. In a space ten feet wide and eighteen feet high is represented the Nativity of Jesus Christ, a composition of thirteen human figures, besides other animals.

1. The Blessed Virgin, whose attention is wholly engaged in her infant.

2. A groupe of Angels descended into the stable and kneeling around him: the face of the least of these exhibits an idea of youthful beauty that perhaps was never surpassed.

3. A company of Shepherds, whose devotion and rude eagerness to behold him are strongly expressed.

4. Joseph looking at the spectators, and pointing to the child as to the promised seed, the expectation and hope of all nations.

5. In the clouds above an angel in contemplation of the Mystery of the Cross; near him a scroll, whereon is written the Greek of this text, "Mysteries, which the angels themselves desire to look into."

The portraits of the two artists, Sir Joshua Reynolds and Mr. Jarvis, are here introduced in the character of shepherds, paying adoration to the new-born Saviour.

This piece was begun about seven years ago. Finished cartoons were furnished by Sir Joshua Reynolds, and executed in glass by Mr. Jarvis. — Having already exceeded our usual limits in the description, though we have been as brief as the subject admitted, we shall leave its many excellencies to the spectator's observation, and conclude with saying, that this is the only public specimen yet existing of a new stile, which, in beauty and truth of representation, excels all that the world has hitherto seen painted on glass as much as the common productions excel the first rude attempts in that art.

Choir-service is performed in this chapel every day at eleven and five, and is probably no where performed with more solemnity, or heard to better advantage. The organ is a most admirable instrument, erected by the famous Dolham; and since improved, with the addition of the clarion-stop and swelling-organ, by Mr. John Byfield.

Near the chapel is a noble cloister, which constitutes a quadrangle, one hundred and forty-six feet in length on two sides, and one hundred and five the other two, with a garden in the area. Contiguous to it, on the north, is a large and lofty tower, with ten bells.

The hall, to which we pass at the north-east side of the quadrangle, is of excellent proportion, being seventy-eight feet in length, thirty-three in breadth, and forty-three in height. Its wainscot, which was erected about the reign of Henry VIII. is curious, and much in character. At the east end are portraits of the munificent founder William of Wykeham; William of Wainfleet founder of Magdalen College, who was schoolmaster of Wykeham's College at Winchester; and Henry Chichely, founder of All Souls College, and fellow of New College while the founder was yet living.

The two rooms, of which the library before-mentioned consists, are seventy feet long and twenty-two broad. This library is furnished with a fine collection, and well known to the learned for its many valuable manuscripts.

In the chapel is shewn the crosier of the founder, one of the noblest curiosities, and almost the only one of its kind, now remaining in this kingdom. It is nearly seven feet in height, is of silver gilt, embellished with variety of the richest Gothic workmanship, and charged with figures of angels and the tutelar saints of the cathedral church of Winchester, executed with an elegance equal to that of a more modern age. It is finely preserved, and, from a length of almost four hundred years, has lost but little of its original splendour and beauty.

From this quadrangle we pass into the garden-court. This beautiful area, by means of a succession of retiring wings, displays itself gradually as we approach [page 129] the garden, from which it is separater by a sumptuous iron pallisade one hundred and thirty feet in length. This court has a noble effect from the mount in the garden; and the prospect is still farther improved by the appearance of the old Gothic spires and battlements which overlook the new building from the founder's court. It began to be erected, A. D. 1682, at the expence of the college, assisted by many liberal contributions.

The garden in general is judiciously disposed. Great part of it, as likewise part of the college, is surrounded by the city wall; which, from this circumstance of serving as a fence or boundary to the college precincts, is here, and here only, preserved entire, with its battlements and bastions, to a considerable extent.

On the south side is a pleasant bowling-green, shaded to the west by a row of elms, and on the east by tall sycamores, the branches of which, being interwoven and incorporated with each other from end to end, are justly admired as a natural curiosity.

The college was founded by William Wykeham, a native of Wykeham, a small town in Hampshire, whence he was probably called William of Wykeham. Besides other ample preferments to which he was advanced by the favour of Edward III. he was constituted keeper of the privy seal, bishop of Winchester, and lord high chancellor of England. Having liberally maintained seventy students in several halls of the university, particularly Hart Hall and New Inn Hall, for some years, he obtained a charter to found a college in Oxford for a warden, seventy fellows, ten chaplains, three clerks, sixteen choristers, and one sexton. The foundation-stone was laid on the 5th day of March, A. D. 1379. The college was entirely finished, A. D. 1386; and, on the 14th day of April in the same year, at the hour of nine in the morning, the society took possession of it, chaunting in solemn procession. In the following year he founded another noble college at Winchester, for the liberal support of a warden, ten fellows, three chaplains, one schoolmaster, one usher, seventy scholars, three clerks, and sixteen choristers, and ordained it to be a perpetual seminary for the supplying the vacancies of his college at Oxford. This illustrious patron of literature and virtue crowned the beneficence of his life by bequeathing in his last will legacies to the amount of 6000l. a prodigious sum in that age, for various charitable purposes. He survived the foundation of his college several years, and died September 27, A. D. 1404.

The principal benefactors are, John Buckingham bishop of Lincoln, A. D. 1388. Thomas Beckington, A. D. 1440. Thomas Jane, A. D. 1494. Clement Harding, A. D. 1507. Wareham archbishop of Canterbury; Shirebourne bishop of Chichester; John Smith, William Fleshmonger, with many others.

This college, dedicated to St. Mary Winton, has been called New College from its first foundation; being at that time an object of public curiosity, and far superior, in point of extent and grandeur, to any college that had then appeared. It was the first effort to magnificence ever exhibited in Oxford; and probably Merton was, before this, the most splendid college in the university, though then by no means adorned with buildings as at present. The rest of the colleges then existing, viz. Baliol, University, Queen's, Exeter, and Oriel, were very small and inconsiderable structures.

The members of this college are, one warden, seventy fellows, ten chaplains, three clerks, sixteen choristers, and one sexton; together with many gentlemen commoners. — Visitor. The Bishop of Winchester.

WADHAM COLLEGE. — This college stands in the northern suburb called Holiwell, the front being opposite to Trinity Gardens. Under a stately central tower we enter the quadrangle, which is nearly one hundred and thirty feet square.

A portico, decorated with the statues of the founder, the foundress, James I. and other ornaments, leads us to the hall. This is a spacious and lofty Gothic room, furnished with some valuable portraits. From hence we pass into a cloister, which constitutes one side of a small area, the chapel being on the left, and [page 130] the kitchen, with the library over it, on the right. The cloister, with its superstructure, in the midst of which is a handsome common room, forms a sort of east front, from whence we have a beautiful prospect over the meadows to the distant hills. This room has a most admirable portrait of an old woman.

The chapel is spacious and venerable. The anti-chapel, like those at Merton, New College, All Souls, and Magdalen, runs at right angles to the choir, having a proportionable height, length, and breadth. The east window is admirably painted by Van Ling, a Dutchman, A.D. 1622. It was given by Sir John Strangeways, represents the Passion of our Lord, and is said to have cost 1500l. The windows on the right side are perhaps by the same hand; but those on the left are poor and of a later age.

The curious spectator will be extremely pleased with a most singular piece of painting which surrounds the altar. There is othing of the kind now to be seen in Oxford; but the altar-pieces of Magdalen and All Souls were formerly finished in the same manner. The painting is on cloth, which, being of an ash-colour, serves for the medium: the lines and shades are done with a brown crayon, and the lights and heightening with a white one. These dry colours being pressed with hot irons, which produced an exsudation from the cloth, are so incorporated into its texture and substance, that they are proof against a brush, or even the harshest touch. The figures are finely drawn, and have a wonderful effect. It is the workmanship of Isaac Fuller, who painted the Resurrection-piece over the altar at Magdalen, and flourished near an hundred years since. The subject of the front is the Lord's Supper; on the north side Abraham and Melchisedec; and on the south the Children of Israel gatering Manna, are respectively represented.

This college was designed by Nicholas Wadham, Esq. of Merifield, in Somersetshire, and executed, in pursuance of his last will, by Dorothy his widow, A. D. 1613, for the maintenance of one warden, fifteen fellows, fifteen scholars, two chaplains, and two clerks. The statutes direct, that the warden shall quit the college in case of marriage; that the fellows shall enjoy the benefit of the society no longer than eighteen years after their regency in arts; that the scholars, from whom the fellows are chosen, shall be appointed three from Somersetshire, three from Essex, and the remainder from any part of Great Britain.

The buildings of this house have not received the least alteration from the time of the foundress; and, as they now stand, are the entire result of the first architect. From this circumstance they derive an uniformity and regularity scarcely to be paralleled in any other college of this university. The critical observer must also take notice, that the stile of architecture in this college corresponds, in many particulars, with that of the public schools, and of the inner quadrangle at Merton College. These three edifices are all of the same age, and were most probably planned by the same artist. That indefatigable antiquary, Mr. Herne, among his many curious researches, discovered that the public schools were designed by Thomas Holt, of York.

The principal benefactors are, John Goodridge, A. M. who gave, A. D. 1654, his whole estate at Walthamstow, in Essex, for the endowment of several exhibitions, &c. and Dr. Hody, Greek professor, who founded four exhibitions for students in Hebrew, and six for others in Greek, of 10l. each. Dr. Philip Bisfe, archdeacon of Taunton, gave above two thousand volumes to the library; in which is preserved his portrait at full length, given by the foundress. Lord Wyndham very lately bequeathed two thousand pounds; fifteen hundred of which are approved for the encrease of the warden's salary, and the residue for ornamenting the house. Lisle the late warden, bishop of Norwich, added two exhibitions.

This college consists of one warden, fifteen fellows, and fifteen scholars; two chaplains, two clerks, and sixteen exhibitioners. The number of students of every kind about fifty. — Visitor. The Bishop of Bath and Wells.

TRINITY COLLEGE. — Opposite the Tarl stands Trinity College. a spacious avenue, fenced from the street by an handsome iron pallisade, with folding [page 131] gates, adorned on the outside with the arms of the Earl of Guildford, and on the inside with those of the founder, leads to the front of the college, which consists of the chapel, and the gateway with its tower. Over the gate, in stone, are the arms of the founder, surrounded with a wreath of laurel, and supported by the genii of same.

The approach to this college has lately been widened so as to exhibit the whole front of the chapel towards the street, which produces a very noble and beautiful effect. — In the first court are the chapel, hall, library, and lodgings of the president.

The chapel has a peculiar elegance, which results from an assemblage of the most finished, and yet the most simple, ornaments. The carvings about the screen, which is of cedar, are very masterly. The altar-piece of the same wood is, besides other embellishments, charged with exquisite festoons by Gibbin. Under an alcove, near the altar, is a fine Gothic tomb, on which are the recumbent figures of the liberal founder and his lady, in alabaster, with this inscription, the greater part of which is at present concealed by the case which surrounds the monuments: "Hic jacent corpora Thomæ Pope, Militis, Fundatoris hujus collegii Trinitatis, et D. Elizabethæ, et Margaretæ, uxorisejus, quiquidem Thomas obiit XXIX. die Januarii Anno Domini MDLVIII." i.e. Here lie the bodies of Thomas Pope, Knt. Founder of this College of the Trinity, and of Lady Elizabeth, and Margaret his wife, which said Thomas died January 29, A. D. 1558. — But it is to be regretted, by the lovers of tomb-architecture, that the greatest part of the elegant workmanship of this tomb is now concealed, and the effect of its whole appearance destroyed, by an alcove corresponding to another on the opposite side: both which alcoves, considered in a general view, are perhaps injudiciously introduced, and seem to be the only blemishes of this highly-finished chapel. The ceiling is covered with a bold and beautiful stucco, and in the midst of it is an Ascension, which, on the whole is executed in a good taste, but perhaps has too much of the French manner. It was painted by Peter Berchett, a Frenchman. Of the large and valuable quantity of silver-gilt plate given to this college by the founder, nothing now remains but a fine old massy chalice for the altar, richly embossed and flourished with Gothic sculpture and inscriptions.

The hall is spacious and well-proportioned, partly in the Gothic style, and adorned with a portrait of the founder. The cieling has been lately enriched with stucco; and, by other decorations and improvements, this room is rendered both elegant and commodious. Over the chimney-piece are the arms of Queen Mary and King Philip, capitally painted by Catton with the date 1554.

In the library is shewn a valuable manuscript of Euclid; being a translation from the Arabic into Latin, before the discovery of the original Greek, by Adelardus Bathoniensis, in 1130. It is extremely fair, and contains all the book. It was given by the founder, together with several other manuscripts; who likewise furnished this library with many costly printed volumes chiefly in folio, at that time esteemed no mean collection.

In the library-windows are many compartments of old painted glass, but much injured by the presbyterians in the grand rebellion. The painted glass in the original chapel of this college, which is reported to have been remarkably fine, was entirely destroyed by the same spirit of sacrilegious and barbarous zeal, still farther exasperated at the following inscription, written in the great east-window over the altar: "Orate pro anima Domini Thomœ Pope, Militis aurati, Fundatoris hujus Collegii." i.e. "Pray for the soul of Sir Thomas Pope, Knt. Founder of this College."

In the president's lodgings are two good pictures of the founder, copied from Hans Holbein, but ancient. Also large original pictures, both on board, of Adams bishop of Limerick, and Wright bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, in the reigns of the first James and Charles, formerly fellows; together with a head of Thomas Allen, fellow, a famous mathematician and antiquary, by Dobsen.

[page 132] In the bursary is a curious old picture of Lady Elizabeth Paulet, the founder's third wife, supposed to be painted by Antonio Moore, about the year 1570. Also three other valuable portraits of the founder and the presidents Kettel and Bathurst.

The second court is an elegant pile planned by Sir Christopher Wren, and said, by Wood, to be one of the first pieces of modern architecture that appeared in the university. It consists of three sides, the north and west of which are to be raised and finished in the manner of that on the south. The opening to the gardens on the east has a singular and most agreeable effect.

The gardens are extensive, and laid out into two divisions. The first, or larger division, is chiefly thrown into open grass-plats. The north wall is covered with a beautiful yew-hedge. The centre walk is terminated by a well-wrought iron gate, with the founder's arms at the top, supported by two superb piers. The southern division is a pleasing solitude consisting of shady walks, with a wilderness of flowering shrubs disposed into serpentine paths, and much frequented.

This college was founded, March 8, A.D. 1554, by Sir Thomas Pope, Knight, of Tittenhanger, in Hertfordshire, treasurer of the Court of Augmentations in the reign of Henry VIII. privy counsellor to the same king and to Queen Mary, and a singular friend of Sir Thomas More, for the maintenance and education of one president, twelve fellows, and twelve scholars. The founder directs, that the scholars, who succeed to the fellowships, shall be chosen from his manors: but, if no candidates appear under such qualifications on the day of election, viz. Trinity-Monday, that they shall be supplied from any county of England. He also appoints, that no more than two natives of the same county shall be fellows of his college at the same time; Oxfordshire excepted, from which county five are permitted.

The principal and almost only benefactor is Dr. Ralph Bathurst, formerly president; who expended 1900l. in rebuilding the chapel, the ancient one above-mentioned having been miserably defaced in the civil wars.

This college consists of one president, twelve fellows, and twelve scholars, instituted by the founder. These, with the independent members, amount to near seventy. — Visitor. The Bishop of Winchester.

BALIOL COLLEGE — This college stands almost contiguous to that of Trinity. A handsome Gothic gateway leads us into the first court, part of which is finished in the stile in which it is intended to rebuild the whole college.

On the north is the chapel, which was erected about the reign of Henry VIII. It is adorned with some beautiful pieces of painted glass. The east window particularly demands our regard, which represents the Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension, of Christ; and for which Nicholas Wadham offered 200l. intending it for the east window of the chapel of his college.

The hall is handsomely wainscotted. In the master's lodgings is a spacious old apartment, whose beautiful bow-window projects on the west side of the court, and which was formerly the college chapel. In the library, which was finished about the year 1477, are many curious manuscripts. Besides this court, there is an area to the north-west consisting of irregular and detached lodgings.

A new elegant building has lately been added at the south-west angle of this college, erected by the donation of the Rev. Mr. Fisher, late fellow of this society. Its south front, which is one hundred and eight feet six inches in length, consists of three stories, with nine windows in each; and, having three breaks, those at each end have Venetian windows; on the middle break is formed a pediment, with a shield in the tympanum; and the whole surrounded with a block cornice. This building is thirty-eight feet six inches in depth; and under the centre window, in the back front, is the following inscription — VERBUM NON AMPLIUS FISHER.

Sir John Baliol, of Bernard Castle, in Yorkshire, father of John Baliol king of Scotland, A.D. 1268, began the foundation of this college. He appointed certain annual exhibitions for students, and intended to provide a house for their reception, but was prevented by death. However his widow, Devorguilla, not [page 133] only completed, but improved, his design. She obtained a charter of incorporation, settled the benefaction of her husband on sixteen fellows, and conveyed to them a messuage, on the spot where the college stands at present, for their perpetual habitation, A.D. 1284. Their stipends were eight-pence a week to each fellow; so that the whole original endowment amounted to no more than 27l. 9s. 4d. per year. It appears that the number of fellows was afterwards reduced: for, about the year 1507, it was ordained that the society should consist of only one master and ten fellows. But this number has been since increased. Many scholarships and exhibitions have been likewise added.

The principal benefactors are, Philip Somerville, Thomas Stanhope, Peter Blundell, Lady Periam, with several others. — John Warner bishop of Rochester, A.D. 1666, founded four exhibitions for natives of Scotland; whose benefaction was since enlarged by John Snell, Esq.

This college was endowed with lands, though not established by incorporation, a few years before that of Merton. — Nothing of Devorguilla's original messuage now remains. The present quadrangle began to be erected in the reign of Henry VI.

Here is one master, twelve fellows, and eighteen exhibitioners. The whole number of the society amounts to about fifty. — Visitor. His Grace the Archbishop of York.

St. JOHN'S COLLEGE. — This house stands in a retired situation, on the north of Baliol and Trinity Colleges. Before its front is a handsome terrace, shaded with a row of lofty elms. It chiefly consists of two courts. In the first are the chapel and hall on the north, and the president's lodgings on the east. The chapel is decently furnished. The screen and altar are finished in the Corinthian order. Over the communion table is a beautiful piece of tapestry representing our Lord breaking Bread with the two disciples at Emmaus, from a famous original of Titian. The organ formerly stood on the north side, but a new one has lately been erected over the screen. The eagle, which supports the Bible, is a piece of curious workmanship, executed by Mr. Snetzler, of Oxford, and was the gift of Thomas Eskourt, Esq. late a gentleman commoner of this house. Choir-service is here performed twice every day, at eleven and five.

On the north wall of this chapel, eastward of the organ, is a singular curiosity: a marble urn containing the heart of Dr. Rawlinson, enclosed in a silver vessel, which was placed here according to the directions in his last will.

The hall is fitted up in the modern taste with great elegance. The screen is of Portland stone, in the Ionic order; and the wainscot, in the same order, is remarkably beautiful. The roof and floor are correspondent to the rest. The chimney-piece is magnificent, of variegated marble, over which ic a picture of St. John the Baptist, by Titian. It is likewise adorned with several other excellent pieces: at the upper end is a whole-length portrait of the founder, with Archbishop Laud on the right and Archbishop Juxon on the left. On the north and south sides are those of Bishop Mew, Bishop Buckridge, Sir William Paddy, knight, and of other eminent men, who have either illustrated this society by their learning or enriched it by their beneficence.

The common room, on the north side of the hall, should not be neglected. Its ceiling is a good piece of stucco, by Mr. Roberts; and the whole room is handsomely adorned in general.

The second court, which we enter through a passage on the east side of the first, is the design of Inigo Jones, and built in 1635. The east and west sides exhibit each a beautiful Doric colonade; whose columns consist of a remarkable species of stone, said to be dug at Fifield, in Berks. In the centre of each colonade are formed two porticos, charged with a profusion of embellishments. Over these, on each side, are two good statues in brass; that on the east of Charles I. and that on the west of his queen. They were cast by Francis Faneili, a Florentine. Their respective niches are ornamented with the Ionic and Corinthian order; and the whole has an elegant and agreeable appearance. [page 134] But perhaps it may be thought that this building is not in the purest taste of its celebrated architect.

The upper stories of the south and east sides form the library. The first division consists of printed books; the second of manuscripts; chiefly given by Archbishop Laud. This, as it is furnished with cases of iron lattice-work, which are disposed in a parallel direction with the sides, forms an ample and airy gallery. In this room the archbishop above-mentioned entertained Charles I. and his court with a magnificent feast. Among the other curiosities is a drawing of King Charles I. which contains the Book of Psalms written in the lines of the face and hair of the head. In an elegant gilt frame, at the north end of the inner library, is a fine figure of St. John the Baptist in the Wilderness, after Raphael, beautifully stained upon what, at first sight, appears to be a piece of high polished marble; but is in reality a composition equally compact and durable. This composition is called seagliola. The east window of this library is adorned with the coats of arms of the founder, the company of merchant-taylors, and of several benefactors to the college, in curious and well-painted glass.

The gardens, which are both extensive and beautiful by the late improvements, possess all those graces arising from a well-regulated variety, and a succession of beauties judiciously diversified and disposed.

This college was founded by Sir Thomas White, alderman and merchant-taylor of London, A.D. 1557, for the maintenance of one president, fifty fellows, three chaplains, three clerks, and six choristers, &c. Two of the fellowships are ordered to be supplied from Coventry, two from Bristol, two from Reading, and one from Tunbridge; the rest from Merchant-Taylors School in London. The benefactors have been very numerous, and no less considerable. Sir William Paddy, Knight, founded and endowed the present choir; that originally established by the founder having been dissolved by unanimous consent of the society, A.D. 1577, the revenues of the college being found insufficient for its maintenance. Archbishop Laud erected the second court, its south side excepted, which was built A.D. 1595, with the stones of the Carmelite friery, in Gloucester-green; the company of merchant-taylors in London, amongst several other benefactions, contributing 200l. Archbishop Juxon gave 7000l. to augment the fellowships: Dr. Holmes, formerly president, with his lady, gave 15000l. for improving the salaries of the officers, and other purposes. And Dr. Rawlinson, above-mentioned, granted the reversion of a large estate in fee-farm rents. The college has likewise largely experienced the beneficence of many others, who have liberally contributed towards the improvement of its building and revenues.

It should be remembered that this college was founded on the scite of Bernard's College, erected A.D. 1437, by Archbishop Chichely, the liberal founder of All Souls College. The present old quadrangle, part of the east side excepted, is the original edifice of Chichely; no building being added, at the new foundation, by Sir Thomas White.

The present members are, one president, fifty fellows, two chaplains, one organist, five singing-men, six choristers, and two sextons. The number of students is about seventy. — Visitor. the Bishop of Winchester.

WORCESTER COLLEGE. — Worcester College is situated at the extremity of the western suburbs, on an eminence which descends to the river and meadows. Its court or area consists of three sides, which are all to be completed on the modern taste. At present the eastern side only, together with the north wing, are finished. On the west it is proposed to form a garden sloping to the water; so that a most agreeable prospect will be opened to the college. The library is a neat Ionic edifice, one hundred feet in length, supported by a spacious cloister. It is furnished with a fine collection of books, the gift of Dr. Clarke, formerly fellow of All Souls College. Its greatest curiosity is Inigo Jones's Palladio, with his own manuscript notes in Italian.

At the entrance into the college we have on each side the chapel and hall, both of which are fifty feet in length and twenty-nine in breadth. On the whole this [page 135] house, when executed according to the plan, will be a well-disposed elegant structure; and the society have a design of opening a spacious avenue in front quite up to Magdalen parish.

This college was founded, A.D. 1714, by the benefaction of Sir Thomas Cookes, of Bentley, in Worcestershire, for one provost, six fellows, and six scholars. To these have since been added two fellowships and two scholarships, by Dr. Finney, and two exhibitions for Charterhouse scholars, by Lady Holford. But the principal benefactors have been Mrs. Eaton, daughter of Dr. Eaton, principal of GLoucester Hall, who founded six fellowships, A.D. 1735; and Dr. Clarke, fellow of All Souls College, who gave six fellowships and three scholarships, A.D. 1736; besides other considerable bequests.

This house was originally called Gloucester College, being a seminary for educating the novices of Gloucester monastery, as it was likewise for those of other religious houses. It was founded, A.D. 1283, by John Giffard baron of Brimsfield. When suppressed at the reformation, it was converted into a palace for the Bishop of Oxford; but was soon afterwards erected into an academical hall by Sit THomas White, the founder of St. John's College; in which state is continued till it at length received a charter of incorporation, and a small endowment from Sir THomas Cookes.

Here are one provost, twenty fellows, seventeen scholars, &c. The whole number about forty. — Visitor. The Chancellor of the University.

EXETER COLLEGE. — This college is situated on the left side within the Turl from the north. In the centre of the front, which is two hundred and twenty feet in length, is a beautiful gate of rustic work: over it is a tower, adorned with Ionic pilasters, supporting a semicircular pediment, in the area of which are the arms of the founder on a shield surrounded with festoons. A light balustrade finishes the whole. This front deserves a better approach than its confined situation will allow. The workmanship in the roof of the gateway is equal to the rest.

This college consists chiefly of one handsome quadrangle; one side of which is the same as the front just described. On the south is a hall, which is long and lofty, and adorned with portraits. It was entirely built from the ground by Sir John Ackland, Knt. of Devonshire, AD 1618. On the north is chapel, consisting of two aisles, one of which only is furnished for the divine service. It was erected by Dr. Hakewell, formerly rector, A.D. 1624.

In the library, which was formerly the chapel, situated in the inner court, is a fine collection of the classics, given by Thomas Richards, Esq.

The old entrance into the college was through the tower, which appears on the north-east angle of the court, and for which a postern in the city-wall was opened. Near or about this tower the old college, as it in some measure may be called, seems to have stood; part of which still remains adjoining to the tower on either side, that on the east being the most ancient, erected A.D. 1404, and that on the west, viz. the rector's lodgings, together with the tower itself, A.D. 1432. However, all these are still more modern than any part of the founder's original structure; no remainder of which is to be seen at present except a part of the chapel, which was converted into a library, and used for that purpose till the bequest of the late Rev. Joseph Sandford's valuable collection of books rendered it inadequate. The society therefore, in the year 1781, erected a neat modern edifice in their garden as the college library.

The gardens are neat, with an agreeable terrace, from whence a prospect is opened to some of the finest buildings in the university.

This college was founded by Walter Stapledon bishop of Exeter, lord treasurer of England, and secretary of state to Edward II. for thirteen fellows, A.D.1316. It was first called Stapledon Hall, but obtained its present name from Edmond Stafford bishop of Exeter, 1404, who gave two two fellowships. Many other benefactors have also liberally contributed towards extending the foundation; the most memorable of whom is Sir William Petre, Knt. who, A.D. 1566, founded eight fellowships, procuring at the same a more effectual charter and a [page 136] new body of statutes. Nor should the liberality of Charles I. be omitted, who annexed one fellowship for the Islands of Guernsey and Jersey.

This college consists at present of one rector, twenty-five fellows, and a Bible clerk, with two exhibitioners. The students of every sort are about fifty. — Visitor. The Bishop of Exeter.

JESUS COLLEGE. — The front of this college, which has been lately much improved, is opposite to Exeter College just described.

In the first court is the hall, in which is a portrait of Queen Elizabeth, with a cieling of well-executed stucco, by Mr. Roberts; the principal's lodgings, in which is shewn a valuable picture of Charles I. at full length, by Vandyke; and the chapel, which is handsomely furnished and well proportioned. Of these the first was erected A.D. 1617; the second soon after the year 1621; and the last was completed 1636.

Three sides of the inner court, begun by Dr. Mansel, one of the principals, a little before the grand rebellion, are finished in a decent and uniform manner. The library is on the west side, which is a well-furnished room, and adorned, among other portraits, with a curious picture of Dr. Hugh Price, probably painted by Hans Holbein. It has been engraved as such by Vertue.

This college was founded, according to the purport of its charter, dated June 27, 1571, by Queen Elizabeth, for one principal, eight fellows, and eight scholars. About the same time it received an endowment of land, [175l. per ann.] since lost, from Hugh Price, L.L.D. a native of Brecknock, and treasurer of the church of St. David's, who likewise erected a part of the first court.

The chief benefactors are, Sir Eubule Thelwall, Knt. formerly principal, who encreased the number of fellows and scholars from eight to sixteen; Francis Mansell, D.D. Sir Leoline Jenkins, Charles I. and many others. The particular circumstances of whose respective donations towards the improvement of the buildings, revenues, and discipline, of the house, deserve a more copious panegyric, and a more distinct display, than the nature and prescription of this work will allow.

In the bursary is shewn a sumptuous piece of plate, the gift of the late Sir Watkin Williams Wynne; also the statues of the college, exquisitely written on vellum, by the Rev. Mr. Parry, of Shipton-upon-Stower, formerly fellow.

This college consists of one principal, nineteen fellows, eighteen scholars, with many exhibitioners and independent students. The whole number about ninety. — Visitor. The Earl of Pembroke.

LINCOLN COLLEGE. — Lincoln College is situated between All Saints church and Exeter College, and consists of two quadrangles. The first, which we enter under a plain but decent tower, is formed, exclusive of chambers, by the lodgings of the rector, standing in the south-east angle, and erected by Thomas BEckington bishop of Bath and Wells, A.D. 1465; the library and common room on the north, and refectory on the east.

The library, under which is the common room, is small, but neatly decoracted, and contains many curious manuscripts, chiefly given by Thomas Gascoigne, A.D. 1432. It was finished, as it appears at present, by the liberality of Sir Nathaniel Lloyd, first a commoner of this and afterwards fellow of All Souls College, A.D. 1738. This room was originally the chapel, and was converted into a library at the expense of Nathaniel lord Crew, when fellow, A.D. 1631. It was handsomely wainscotted by Bishop Crew, A.D. 1701, whose arms appear over the midde of the screen; and those of the rest of the contributors are interspersed about the mouldings. It is forty feet in length, twenty-five in breadth, and proportionable in height.

From this court, which forms a square of eighty feet, we enter, through the south side, the second, which is about seventy feet square. On the south side of this quadrangle is the chapel, which particularly deserves our attention. It was built by Bishop Williams above-mentioned, A.D. 1631. The screen is of cedar elegantly carved. The windows are of painted glass, complete, and well preserved, [page 137] done A.D. 1632. Those on the north represent twelve of the prophets, and those on the south the twelve apostles, large as life. The east window exhibits a view of the types relative to our Saviour, with their repective completions, viz. 1. From the left hand the Nativity; and under it the History of the Creation, its antitype. 2. Our Lord's Baptism; and under it the Passing of the Israelites through the Red Sea. 3. The Jewish Passover; and under it the Institution of the Lord's Supper. 4. The Brazen Serpent in the Wilderness; corresponding to — Christ on the Cross. 5. Jonas delivered from the Whale's belly, expressive of — Christ's Resurrection. 6. Elijah in the fiery chariot, with — Our Lord's Ascension.

The roof consists of compartments in cedar, embellished with the arms of the different founders and benefactors, and interchangeably enriched with cherubims, palm-branches, and festoons, diversified with painting and gilding. — There is an admirable proportion and elegance of execution in the eight figures of cedar which are respectively placed at each end of the desks, and represent Moses, Aaron, the four Evangelists, St. Peter, and St. Paul.

This college was founded, A.D. 1429, by Richard Flemming, a native of Royston, in Yorkshire, and bishop of Lincoln, for the maintenance of one rector, seven fellows, and two chaplains; and intended as a seminary for the education of scholars who should oppose the doctrine of Wickliffe. But the founder dying before he had fully established his little society, the college, left in an indigent condition, with some difficulty subsisted for a few years on the slender endowment which he had consigned to it, and the addition of some small benefactions afterwards made by others. At length Thomas Rotherham bishop of Lincoln more effectually supplied its necessities, by improving both the buildings and revenues; adding moreover five fellowships, and assigning a new body of statutes, dated 1479, by which, and other services, he so raised Flemming's orphan foundation, as justly to deserve the name of a co-founder.

Their benefactors are, William Dagvyle mayor of Oxford; William Smith bishop of Lincoln, and founder of Brazen-nose College, who, it is said, intended to have bestowed all that he gave to his own college on this of Lincoln; Edmund Audley bishop of Salisbury; Jane Trappes, with many others: but their principal benefactor is Nathaniel lord Crew bishop of Durham; who, about the year 1717, added to the headship an annual allocation of 20l. to the twelve fellows 10l. each; and to the seven scholarships and Bible clerkship 5l. each. He likewise improved the four college curacies; and moreover founded twelve exhibitioners with salaries of 20l. per annum each.

The society consists at present of a rector, twelve fellows, twelve exhibitioners, and seven scholars, with a Bible clerk; besides independent members. — Visitor. The Bishop of Lincoln.

ORIEL COLLEGE. — Oriel College is situated southward of St. Mary's Church, on the north side of the front of Corpus Christi College; its great gate being almost opposite to the back gate of Christchurch. Its quadrangle, which was erected in the year 1640, though small, has a beautiful effect. The north side consists of the provost's lodgings and the library; the east of the hall, buttery, and vestibule of the chapel, which runs eastward from thence; and the south and west sides form the common apartments.

We ascend the hall by an ample flight of steps covered with a proportionable portico. It is handsomely wainscotted in the Doric stile, and decorated at the upper end with a portrait of Edward II. dressed in his regalia, by Hudson; one of Queen Anne, who annexed a prebend of Rochester to the provostship, by Dahl; and another of the late Duke of Beaufort, who is represented erect, in his parliament robes, attended by a negro-boy bearing a coronet, by Soldi.

The chapel has that beauty belonging to it which is derived from a decent simplicity, and was finished A.D. 1642. The window over the altar has been lately painted with the Wise Men's Offering, by Mr. Pecket, of York. — The library is a neat well-furnished room, being half the upper story of the north side of this quadrangle. — The garden-court, which we enter by a passage in the [page 138] same north side, receives a agreeable air from an elegant little garden which is formed in the midst of it, an