Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 5th March 1827 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
2 items, 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
Copy of letter from William French to the Bishop of Ely. Writes to say that it was unanimously agreed to attach the College seal to the Fellowship's petition to his Majesty's Council and that he asks the Bishop to place it in the hands of a member of the Privy Council. He requests that Mr. Walters, one of the Society, and who has taken an active part in writing the petition, will accompany the letter and also bring to the Bishop an attested copy of the College's foundation charter. Also copy of the petition from the Master and Fellows.