To tell the story of each of these early college libraries
with continuity is not to our purpose, and is perhaps not
feasible. So many details are lacking. We do not know
whether all the libraries, once started, were constantly
maintained; but it is reasonable to assume they were, as
records--a few only--of purchases and donations are
preserved. Usually gifts were made only to the college in
which the donor felt special interest, but sometimes generous
men were more catholic. Four colleges--University, Balliol,
Merton, and Oriel--benefited under Bishop Stephen
Gravesend's will (1336); six--University, Balliol, Merton,
Exeter, Oriel, and Queen's--under the will of Simon de
Bredon, astronomer and sometime Proctor of the University
(1368): in both cases the testators distributed their gifts
among all the secular colleges in existence at the time.[1]
Dr. Thomas Gascoigne gave many books to Balliol, Oriel,
Durham, and Lincoln Colleges (1432)[2] William Reed,
Bishop of Chichester, also was the friend of more than
one society, for New College, as we have seen, got 63
volumes from him, Exeter some others, and Merton
99.[3] Roger Whelpdale (d. 1423) bequeathed books to
Balliol and Queen's Colleges. Henry VI gave 23 manuscripts
to All Souls College (1440). Robert Twaytes
gave books to Balliol in 1451: his example was followed
by George Nevil, Bishop of Exeter and afterwards Archbishop
of York (1455, 1475), Dr. Bole (1478), and John
Waltham (1492). An old Fellow showed his gratitude
to University College by bestowing 68 books, mostly
Scriptural commentaries, on its library (1473). Some of