The Proctors

Summary

These Officers have long played a leading part in the administration of University affairs. Of old, indeed, they had yet more prominent duties. Dr Tanner thus sums up their miscellaneous functions: “In earlier times it was their duty to regulate the hours of disputing and lecturing, of burial services, inceptions, and festivals, and to act for the University in all kinds of business. They destroyed bad herrings exposed for sale, bought vestments, bell-ropes, and candlesticks, and had charge of the University Chest. They also patrolled the streets to repress disturbances, and exercised jurisdiction over improper persons.” They still have the right to enter licensed premises and places of public entertainment. They have the power of fining undergraduates for the infringing of certain regulations; and the Duke of York a while back laughingly referred to “the six-and-eightpence” of which he was mulcted when in statu pupillari.

Dr Duckworth (Fellow of Jesus College, who was Senior Proctor in the years 1904-5), after he had resigned office, published (C.A.S. Proceedings, XLVII. 448-54) some interesting Notes on The Proctor's Halberd and other Insignia, quoting learned observations by Lord Dillon. At his installation at the beginning of the academic year, the Senior Proctor comes into possession of a Linstock and a Partisan, and the Junior Proctor receives at the same time a Halberd and a Butter measure.