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- 17th December 1834 (Creation)
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1 item, paper
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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.
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Letter from William French to Thomas Wythe. Written from Cambridge 17th December 1834. Recounts that his daughter Valance, or Little Val, is recovering from her intermittent fever after taking some medicine. Mrs French was almost in despair at Valence's illness. The Chancellor was very hospitable. Visited Lord Camden the following day, installing him as chancellor. After this ceremony a splendid second table was laid out. Went to Northumberland House afterwards and then started back to Cambridge. Tomorrow the election for the High Stewardship takes place. The Duke of Northumberland is a very agreeable person. Thinks there will be a general election in a few days. He heard from Sir. C. Vere the same day as writing the letter. Must travel over to vote for Lord ? and he for the Eastern Division. Tomorrow I dine at St. John's, next day as vice chancellor at Caius, Friday at Jesus. On reverse is written 'Mr. Moore does not give quite so good an account of you as I could wish'. Signed W. French. black wax seal with 'to give to forgive' alongside a hand and a heart.