and left in 1819 for Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated as Senior Wrangler in 1823, proceeding to M.A. In 1826. Appointed Astronomer Royal in 1835, he retained the post until 1881, in which period the observatory was almost completely refitted with instruments of his own design. His researches in many diverse branches of science earned him the "reputation of being one of the ablest and most indefatigable of modern savants" (Chambers's Encyclopaedia).[1]
In 1825 another part of the same property in St. Mary's Parish, "formerly the Old Three Crowns Inn" (Morant), was exchanged for land at Layer Breton. The house, which was in poor condition, was valued at £425, and the land at £760, but a subsequent decrease in the value of agricultural produce made the transaction "a very unprofitable one to the charity" (Charity Commissioners, 1838).
In 1835 Crosse died, and was succeeded by John Saunders. The report upon Essex Charities in 1838, already quoted, is hardly to be regarded as favourable toward the School. There were but three scholars on the foundation, and no fee—paying scholars, while the endowment was not realising as high an income as might have been expected. The properties are listed in detail in the Commission's report, and it is interesting to compare this list with those of 1348 and 1584. (See Appendix 2.)
Upon the mastership becoming vacant again the Rev. John Dunningham was chosen (January 3rd, 1840) from six candidates for the post. His election is notable as it was the first in modern times in which the Council instead of the Free Burgesses had chosen the master.[2] The Municipal Corporations Act of 1835 had deprived the Burgesses of their ancient right, and vested the Town Council with the authority. Legal advice was sought by the Burgesses, but their deprivation was confirmed, and although the Council were embarrassedly unwilling to accept the responsibility (Essex Standard) they had no choice in the matter. Naturally the Burgesses looked askance at these proceedings; they formed the Colchester
- ↑ Famous O.C.s. Under this title there is a series of biographical notices of early scholars in the Colcestrian (O.S. 1st Dec. 1900; 2nd Apr., 1901; N.S. 1st Dec., 1901; 4th Dec., 1902). These range from Wm. Gilbert, b. 1540, to Sir G. B. Airy, b. 1801, and number 27. On account of the summary character of this history, it is not intended to mention any of these but Airy; but it must be explained why, if Airy is noticed, Gilbert is omitted, for undoubtedly he was the greater man. The reason is that although it is often claimed that Gilbert (1540-1603), the famous Physician to Queen Elizabeth and the founder of electrical science, was educated at the School, I have been unable to find any substantial proof of this. In an Address to the Mathematical and Physical Section of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, quoted in the Colcestrian (O.S. Dec., 1900), Jos. Larmer, F.R.S., stated that Gilbert "passed from the Grammar School of his native town to St. John's College, Cambridge," but the authority for this statement is not given. That a native of Colchester would pass through the town-school is probable, but by no means certain. The Dictionary of National Biography is silent on the matter, whereas had it been on record were so famous a scholar had received his early education the fact would undoubtedly have been mentioned. In a speech given at the Third Annual Dinner of the O.C. Society (10th Dec., 1903, the Tercentenary of Gilbert's death) C.E. Benham remarked that there was "some doubt as to whether Gilbert was in the strict sense of the word an Old Colcestrian, and the fact was adduced that he was over 40 years old when the School was started." This would refer of course to the Elizabethan school; if Gilbert was educated at Colchester school it will have been in Henry VIII's foundation.
- ↑ Under the Letters Patent of 1584 also the master had been chosen by the Municipal Authority (Bailiffs and Commonalty); but during some parts at least of the 17th and 18th centuries the choice had lain with the Free Burgesses. To trace all the changes in the method of election would be very difficult, or perhaps impossible, today. Since 1899 appointment has been by the Governors.
