Identity area
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Title
Date(s)
- 15th February 1845 (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
Memorandum by French concerning his wishes should he not survive his illness, Written at Ryde, Isle of Wight, 15th February 1845. Includes money to be given to Shackle, Malyn, Hall, Harriet, Eliza and William for their kindness to him during his illness. Also for £100 to be lodged with the Society for Building Churches for the purpose of building a small chapel of ease and school room at Hissay, Yorkshire. Full wages also to go to all his servants with him at the time of this death.