I. J. H. H.
St. Asaph.
University Hood.
—What is the origin of wearing hoods to indicate a man's University degree; and how old is the practice?
J. G. F.
Black Rood in Scotland—Cross Neytz.
—Observing that in Vol. ii. of "N. & Q." pp. 308. 409., and in Vol. iii., p. 104., there is a discussion about the "Black Rood of Scotland," which does not seem to be very satisfactorily concluded, I am tempted to send you a passage from Madox's Baronia Anglica, p. 268., &c., which seems to bear upon the point in question, but I am not competent to say how far it may serve to throw any light upon the obscurities of the case.
It there appears that 13th Oct. 1306, James Steward of Scotland swore fealty to King Edw. I.:
"By his corporal oath, taken upon the consecrated body of Christ; and upon the two holy crosses, to wit, the cross Neytz, and the Blakerode Descoce, and other holy reliques."
"In the priory of Lanrecost, in the diocese of Carlisle, before W. Bp. of Lichfield and Coventry, the King's Chancellor; and in the presence of Adomar de Valence."