to the library in 1529, just before he was translated to
the see of Durham. Even then, however, the collection
was on the down grade. Nine years later, owing to a
decline in numbers at the University and a loss of revenue,
some of the books, described as "useless," were sold.[1]
Then again, in 1547, occurs a more significant notice. A
Grace was passed recommending the conversion of the
great or common library into a school for the Regius
Professor of Divinity, because "in its present state it is no
use to anybody."[2] Neglect and worse had laid this part
of the library as waste as Dulce Humfrey's room at Oxford.
Apparently then only the Chancellor's library remained.
More "old" books were removed from the collection in
1572-3. In this same year a catalogue was drawn up.
Only one hundred and seventy-seven volumes were left:
"moste parse of all theis bookes be of velam and parchment,
but very sore cut and mangled for the lymned letters and
pictures."[3] Clearly sad havoc had been played with this
library, which had started with so much promise.

[1] Mullinger, ii. 50.

[2] Willis, iii. 25.

[3] Ibid., iii. 25-26n.



Section II