ECR 54 090
Reference code
ECR 54 090
Title
Eton, Buckinghamshire and other properties: Note on building work required
Level
Item
Date
1689
Content description
A small book of 16fs, in a marbled paper cover, containing the following, written and signed by Zachary Cradock, Provost:
'The College of Eton after the deposition of Henry 6, their founder, could not be finished according to his intention. There never was a convenient and sufficient rooom for a large school, nor a chamber large enough for the lodging of the scholars of the foundation, nor any infirmary to remove the sick scholars into out of the common lodging. A remedy for some of these defects was intended by Dr Allestree in his new school, which notwithstanding without the use of the old school. But that building now hanging over the Perpendicular 9 inches, and not to be restored without very great charge and then having neither strength nor height enough for the use for which it was intended, it is thought necessary by the College upon the best advice they could get to take down that building to the floor of the school if not to the foundation and to erect another with walls of greater thickness and strength, and to carry up those walls 33 or 34 foot high, and then lay on a flat roof to be covered with lead as all the rest of the College is, and to make a writing school with other convenient rooms below for the use of the schoolmasters, that so the old school may be fitted up and added to the long chamber, which will make room enough for the whole number of scholars and choristers to be lodged conveniently.There is building within 12 or 14 yards of the long chamber, which may be turned into an infirmary with accommodation enough for 10 or 12 at a time which is more than any can remember to have been sick in the College at once.
It if is possible to bear the charge, it is very expedient that the stables which now stand within 20 foot of the College and before the front, not only very unsightly but very dangerously in case of fire, should be removed to some place of more convenience and less danger.
It is necessary that the school be finished with all speed, the use of it not being to be wanted without great inconvenience. Towards the charge there is a legacy of Mr Rosewells of £300. The Provost and fellowes notwithstanding many other extraordinary concurring charges will pay £500. For the rest they intreat the assistance of their friends, such as have had their education there or are otherwise well disposed to promote good work of publique use, and have kindnes to that College and School.'
On a blank page later in the book is written: 'I subscribe to this work £100. J Herborow.'
[Partically printed in Maxwell Lyte's History 4th edition, (1911) on p.274].
'The College of Eton after the deposition of Henry 6, their founder, could not be finished according to his intention. There never was a convenient and sufficient rooom for a large school, nor a chamber large enough for the lodging of the scholars of the foundation, nor any infirmary to remove the sick scholars into out of the common lodging. A remedy for some of these defects was intended by Dr Allestree in his new school, which notwithstanding without the use of the old school. But that building now hanging over the Perpendicular 9 inches, and not to be restored without very great charge and then having neither strength nor height enough for the use for which it was intended, it is thought necessary by the College upon the best advice they could get to take down that building to the floor of the school if not to the foundation and to erect another with walls of greater thickness and strength, and to carry up those walls 33 or 34 foot high, and then lay on a flat roof to be covered with lead as all the rest of the College is, and to make a writing school with other convenient rooms below for the use of the schoolmasters, that so the old school may be fitted up and added to the long chamber, which will make room enough for the whole number of scholars and choristers to be lodged conveniently.There is building within 12 or 14 yards of the long chamber, which may be turned into an infirmary with accommodation enough for 10 or 12 at a time which is more than any can remember to have been sick in the College at once.
It if is possible to bear the charge, it is very expedient that the stables which now stand within 20 foot of the College and before the front, not only very unsightly but very dangerously in case of fire, should be removed to some place of more convenience and less danger.
It is necessary that the school be finished with all speed, the use of it not being to be wanted without great inconvenience. Towards the charge there is a legacy of Mr Rosewells of £300. The Provost and fellowes notwithstanding many other extraordinary concurring charges will pay £500. For the rest they intreat the assistance of their friends, such as have had their education there or are otherwise well disposed to promote good work of publique use, and have kindnes to that College and School.'
On a blank page later in the book is written: 'I subscribe to this work £100. J Herborow.'
[Partically printed in Maxwell Lyte's History 4th edition, (1911) on p.274].
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