Henry VI. required all the scholars of King’s to be candidates for sacred orders, and made theology and arts the principal but not the exclusive faculties.
Margaret of Anjou made theology the principal study at Queens’, and in her college law was only tolerated. The master of arts must either teach the trivium and quadrivium for 3 years, or devote the same time to the liberal sciences or Aristotle.
Robert Woodlark made his fellows restrict their studies by vow to “philosophy and sacred theology”—his college of S. Catherine was founded to promote Church interests exclusively.
John Alcock required that the scholars of Jesus College when they had graduated in arts, should devote themselves to the study of theology. Canon law was prohibited, but one out of the 12 fellows might be a student of civil law.
Margaret Beaufort founded Christ’s for the study of grammar, arts, and theology, but law and medicine were excluded.
Edward III. and Henry VIII. founded King’s Hall and Trinity College for general learning.
John Caius founded his college for the pursuit of science.
Sir Walter Mildmay founded Emmanuel for clergy who should maintain the principles of the Reformation.
Sir George Downing founded his college for the study of law and medicine.