CHAPTER III.

PROGRESS OF THE UNIVERSITY IN THE FOURTEENTH CENTURY.

Europe in the fourteenth century—Social condition of the University—Intellectual vigour of the University—Foundation of Exeter, Oriel, Queen’s, and Canterbury Colleges—Foundation of New College—European influence of Oxford in the fourteenth century—Rise of Wyclif—Career of Wyclif—Feud between Northern and Southern ‘nations’—Early secessions to Cambridge and Northampton—Secession to Stamford in 1333—Growth of the proctorial authority—Concession by the Pope of freedom in the election of the Chancellor 27