CHAPTER VII.

THE RENAISSANCE, THE REFORMATION, AND THE TUDOR PERIOD.

Revival of academical life at the end of the fifteenth century—Checked by the Reformation—Pioneers of the new learning at Oxford—Erasmus, More, Colet, Grocyn, and Linacre—Foundation of Corpus Christi College by Bishop Fox—Greeks and Trojans—Cardinal Wolsey and the foundation of Christ Church—Action of the University on the questions of the Divorce and the Royal Supremacy—Compliance of the University rewarded by royal favour—The first effects of the Reformation injurious to the University—Iconoclastic Visitation under Edward VI.—Leniency towards colleges—Reaction under Mary. Martyrdom of Ridley, Latimer, and Cranmer—Visitation and reforms of Cardinal Pole—Foundation of Trinity and St. John’s Colleges 68