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- 25 August 1845 (Creation)
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4 items, paper
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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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Series of letters to the Revd. Dr. French from Rev. Robert Merry;
(1) Ely, 25th August 1845
Rev. Sir,
At present I have great doubt whether the Law will allow me to accede to your request, however disposed I may be to do so. The 1 & 2 Victoria c. 106 feet 62 appears to the imperative upon me; but I will carefully examine the matter, and do the best I can in the case. I will write again in the course of a week or so.
Understanding that the money for your school will not be wanted till next year, you may put me down for £10.
I remain, Rev. Sir, yours very faithfully,
[Signed] Rev. Robert Merry
(2) Ely, 27th August 1845
Rev. Sir,
I can find nothing that can abate the force of the Act which I specified in my last note. A house cannot be built in a day; so that some time must be allowed for the building of one. Uour best plan, as it appears to me, will be to ascertain when [underlined] you may rely [underlined] upon the assistance of the Froby Fund; and let me know the result of your inquiries.
I have the honour to be, Rev. Sir, your very faithful servant
[Signed] The Rev. R. Merry.
(3) Ely ,8th of September 1845
Rev. Sir,
On inquiry, I find that the clause to which I referred you is compulsory [underlined]: in other words, that there is no other Act or clause that can relieve me from the necessity of enforcing the building of a house of residence. As therefore I have no discretionary power in the matter, I trust that you will take such steps as may be needful for the building of a Glebe House.
In almost all cases of small livings without fit houses of residence, the same difficulties will arise; but however much a Bishop may lament that there should be such difficulties, he is bound to carry the Act into effect.
I have the honour to be, Rev. Sir, your very faithful servant.
[Signed] Rev. Robert Merry.
(4) Ely, 17th of September, 1845
Rev. Sir,
I have given directions for a License for non-Residence, corresponding to your Petition, till 31 Dec. 1846. This will afford time for considering what may be the best to be done.
I have the honour to be, Rev. Sir, your faithful servant.
[Signed] Rev. Robert Merry.
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These letters are linked to JCCA/JCAD/2/2/9/1846/47, JCCA/JCAD/2/2/9/1846/48, JCCA/JCAD/2/2/9/1846/49, and JCCA/JCAD/2/2/9/1846/51, and a proposed property at Guilden Morden.