Identity area
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Title
Date(s)
- 17th May 1827 (Creation)
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Item
Extent and medium
1 item, 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
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Content and structure area
Scope and content
Copy of letter from William French to Thomas Gatty. He would like to know on what grounds Messrs Alderson and Starkie objected to the exemption clause. He understands they thought such an exemption would render the bill useless, but that was not his understanding. Would be happy to amend it in any way so that it would not render the bill useless. Elaborates further on his reasoning why the exemption clause should be accepted.