Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 20th May 1827 (Creation)
Level of description
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
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
- Copy of letter from William French to Thomas Gatty. Clarifies that the points on which the gaol bill will be opposed are the site, the exemption clause and concurrent jurisdictions. Wants to reiterate what he said the previous night at a meeting of the town magistrates and town committee. He feels there is no need to be concerned with the site. The University had already agreed terms of this with the corporation. Exemption clause is as clear as it can be. And likewise, jurisdiction has also been made clear in that former privileges with regard jurisdiction will be reduced or lost entirely. French agrees that although this is all agreed upon, he does still feel the University will lose some of its character.