Obsolete Officers

Summary

Certain University officers, who formerly held academical posts of considerable importance, and took part in picturesque functions, ought not to be forgotten, in a review of our Ceremonies.

THE MASTER OF GLOMERY

The Master of Glomery has had the advantage, or the disadvantage, of coming before us as something of a mystery. At his entrance in 1276, he is preceded by a mace-bearer; at his exit in 1539, he is accompanied by the glamour of the reputation of Sir John Cheke. By the supposed virtues of his office, he looms somewhat large; but when we meet him in the flesh, he does not seem so important. When Magister Glomeriae is named, we are impressed; but we find a rather ordinary person when we are actually introduced to Mr Thomas Hunt, or any other member of the list given in the Archdeacon's Book, or to Mr Begton tendering his rent to Peterhouse, to Mr Abbott paying up arrears to King's, or to Mr Ayera struggling to keep up appearances in St Katharine's Hostel. When our official stands in the chief place on great occasions in the Senate House, we admire; but the admiration lessens, when we find his connection with Grammar is regarded as a sign of inferiority, and that his position is really due to a kind of neutrality that makes him a convenience to rival candidates.