CHAPTER V - THE COLLEGE FROM 1615 TO 1820

Summary

THE period immediately succeeding Nevile's death does not seem to have been one of particular interest. The College prospered, and no marked changes in its policy or habits became prominent. Probably on the whole the presbyterian party gained strength in the College, especially among the junior members; but, though their leaders were sincere, clever, and energetic, they did not secure the confidence of their opponents. I think the cause is to be found partly in the intemperate hostility they showed to all who differed from their views, and partly to the irritation felt at their objections to the time-honoured and harmless hospitalities and small courtesies which tend, especially in collegiate society, to make the wheels of life run smoothly.

About this time the fall in the value of money caused a considerable increase in the revenue of the House, and at the same time rendered the statutable stipends inadequate for the maintenance of the Fellows. After some discussion it was decided, in 1630, to divide the surplus in certain proportions among members of the Society, and from this originates the current system of fellowship dividends.

During the early part of the seventeenth century, the College seems to have been especially favoured by the poets.