Thereafter
the University held them, but it took nearly seventy years
to settle the dispute about them, and to decide the ownership
of the Congregation House (1410).[3]
[1] Clark, 144; Pietas O., 5; Lyte, 97; Oriel document.
[2] O. H. S. 5, Collect., i, 62-65.
[3] Univ. Arch. W. P. G., 4-6.
Long before 1410 the "good clerk's" books had been
made of real service to students. Fittings were put up in
the library room (1365). Then regulations for managing
the library were drawn up (1367). The books were to be
put in the chamber over the Congregation House, marshalled
in convenient order and chained. There, at certain times,
scholars were to have access to them. Now first appeared
upon the scene a University librarian. The University's
means were slender, and L 40 worth of the books were sold
to provide a stipend for a chaplain-librarian: in place of
these books others of less value were bought; probably
some of Cobham's books were finely illuminated, and the
intention was to purchase less costly copies in their stead.
The chaplain was to pray for the souls of Cobham and of
University benefactors; and to have the charge of the
bishop's books, of the books in the chests, and of any books
coming to the University afterwards.
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