[123] The writer of this chapter is, of course, indebted to his own Memorials of Merton College, published in 1885, in the Oxford Historical Society’s series; but has revised afresh the results of his former researches, with the aid of new materials.
[124] Subsequently called Cornwall Lane, from its proximity to the Western College. It is now inclosed within the site of the College.
[125] From the Life of Conant, by his son.
[126] The “moderator” presided over the disputation, seeing that the disputants observed the rules of reasoning, and giving his opinion on the discussion, and on the arguments which had been advanced in it, in a concluding speech.
[127] John Conybeare, Fellow of Exeter, 1710; Rector, 1730; Dean of Christ Church, 1733; Bishop of Bristol, 1750.
[128] The pre-eminence of Merton, its conspicuous buildings, and its wealth, seem to have distinguished it as “the College,” until it found a rival in the “New College” of William of Wykeham.
[129] The seal at present in use is believed to be the original seal of the College. The upper part represents the Annunciation; below under an arcade is the kneeling figure of Adam de Brome. Round the edge is the legend “Sy. Comune Domus Scholarium Beate Marie Oxon.”
The only other memorial of its foundation which the College possesses is its founder’s cup, given to it, according to the College tradition, by King Edward the Second; though an entry in the Treasurer’s accounts recording the purchase in December 1493 for £4 18s. 1d., of a standing gilt cup marked with E and S, and a cover to the same, is in favour of its belonging to a later date.
[130] The Hospital itself was also intended to be a place to which members of the Society could remove, in case of sickness or pestilence, into a purer air than that of Oxford.
[131] To enable the College to take these additional endowments, a further license in mortmain to the extent of ten pounds a year was granted, 14th March, 1327.