Page:Literary Landmarks of Oxford.djvu/182

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148

Roman Architecture," which won the Newdigate Prize.

Charles Reade was an Oxfordshire man. He went to school at Iffley and at Staines. In 1831 he went to Magdalen as a " Demy." In 1842 he became a Fellow. In 1844, and again in 1849, he was Bursar. In 1849 he was Dean of Arts—when he attracted some small attention, in college circles, by wearing a green coat and brass buttons—and he was elected Vice-President of the College in 1851.

In 1899 the Hall-porter of Magdalen, who had been connected with the College for many years, remembered Reade, and remembered Reade's rooms. But he did not remember whether they were in " No. One New Building" or in "No. Two." He was a little uncertain he said. And it is this little uncertainty which is so trying to the Landmarker who wants to know, in Oxford and elsewhere.

Reade's biographers, fortunately, have something of certainty in their composition, and they place Reade in " a suite of five rooms at No. Two New Building, beautifully situated, and looking southward over the Cloisters and the Tower."

He retained these chambers during his later connection with the College, although very much of his time was spent in London.