Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1816 - 27 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
1 volume, paper
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Master of Jesus College, 1820-1849.
William French was the son of Thomas French, a wealthy yeoman at Eye in Suffolk. He was educated at Ipswich Grammar School. In 1807 he entered Gonville and Caius College and was second wrangler and Smith's prizeman. He graduated BA in 1811 and MA in 1814. In 1811 he was elected as a Fellow and Tutor at Pembroke College. He became a University Proctor in 1816.
In 1821 he married Elizabeth Maria, daughter of John Wythe of Eye, and was made DD by Royal Mandate, and served in the office of Vice-Chancellor. He held this position again in 1834, when he also acted as one of the syndics appointed to superintend the building of the Fitzwilliam Museum.
In 1827 he was presented by the Lord Chancellor to the living of Moor Monkton, Yorkshire. In 1832 he became a canon of Ely Cathedral.
He died in the lodge at Jesus College on 12 November 1849.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
College Register memoranda notebook, 1816 - 1827. Notes made by French relating to the admission and examination of students at Jesus College. As he became Master in 1820, the earliest pages must have been compiled retrospectively from College records. Arranged chronologically by term. Includes some further information concerning College finances, including payments to Tutors and proceeds from dividends. Also a few notes inserted at the beginning of the register connected to references for new students. Notes refer to Edward Henslow, Robert Bevill, Mr. Austin, Mr. Rendle, Mr. Derbrisay, Mr. Dickens, Mr Lloyd, Mr Henniker, William James John Leach (Jesus, 1823), Charles Rocke (Jesus, 1821), Mr. Beck, Mr. John Dunningham, Edward Linsell. Also notices of elections to College positions.
Letter from William Hustler relating to Mr Stephen (Peterhouse, 182?); from William Mosley Watts asking French for advice about being admitted as a student, written from Putney 14th November 1821.