JAMES THE FIRST

Summary

1603.

The University published two collections of verses on the death of Queen Elizabeth and the accession of James the First. One was in titled “Threno-thriambeuticon Academiæ Cantabrigiensis ob damnum lucrosum et in fœlicitatem fœlicissimam luctuousus triumphus.” Amongst the contributors were William Smyth Vicechancellor, Thomas Byng of Clare Hall, Phineas Fletcher of King's College, John Boys of Clare Hall, Matthew Wren of Pembroke Hall afterwards Bishop of Ely, Albert Morton of King's College afterwards Secretary of State, Stephen Perse M.D. of Caius College, John Williams of St. John's College afterwards Archbishop of York, and Andrew Downes Regius Professor of Greek. The other collection was intitled “Sorrowes Joy or a Lamentation for our late deceased Soveraigne “Elizabeth with a triumph for the prosperous Succession of our gratious King James, &c.” Amongst the contributors were Richard Parker of Caius College, Theophilus Field of Pembroke Hall afterwards Bishop of Hereford, Edward Kellet and Phineas Fletcher both of King's College.

On the King's progress from Edinburgh to London, he stayed for a few days at Hinchinbrooke near Huntingdon, the seat of Sir Oliver Cromwell, whither on the 28th of April came “the Heads of the Universitie of Cambridge all clad in scarlet gownes and corner cappes; “who having presence of his Majestie, there was made a most learned “and eloquent Oration in Latine welcomming his Majestie, as also “intreating the confirmation of their charter and priviledges which his “Majestie most willingly and freely granted.