Building Accounts of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, 1517-18

This book provides a window into a late-medieval building site, with details of early sixteenth-century building materials, craft techniques, project management skills, and working conditions. It also describes the complicated motives of its founder, Richard Fox, who studied law at Oxford, rebelled against Richard III, and became Henry VII's closest political adviser.

Format: Hardback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 21 June 2019
Publisher: Oxford Historical Society

Corpus Christi College, Oxford, a renowned institution of higher learning, was established in 1517 under the visionary leadership of Richard Fox, the bishop of Winchester. Fox's profound vision for the college was to provide a comprehensive education in classical Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, along with their rich literary traditions. This educational endeavor received high praise from the esteemed scholar Erasmus, who hailed it as a remarkable scholarly achievement and a beacon of Renaissance classical learning.

At the core of this remarkable book lies an edition of the original fortnightly building site accounts from 1517 to 1518. These accounts offer a captivating glimpse into a late-medieval building site, revealing intricate details about early sixteenth-century building materials, craftsmanship, project management techniques, and working conditions. From siesta periods to sub-contracting, the accounts paint a vivid picture of the daily life and challenges of the construction workers involved in the building process.

However, the story of Corpus Christi College's foundation extends far beyond the mere construction of its physical structures. The introduction delves into the intricate and multifaceted motives of Richard Fox, revealing a journey that was far more complex than a mere pursuit of worldly fame or heavenly reward. Born into a Lincolnshire yeoman family, Fox pursued his education at Oxford, where he developed a deep interest in law. His political activism against Richard III and his close association with Henry VII eventually led to his appointment as the king's closest political adviser.

Together, Fox's personal experiences and political acumen provide a comprehensive account of the foundation of Corpus Christi College. It is a tale of ambition, vision, and the enduring impact of education on shaping the course of history. Through this edition of the building accounts, readers are invited to explore the rich tapestry of late-medieval society, witness the craftsmanship of the builders, and appreciate the profound significance of Corpus Christi College in the annals of academic excellence.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 147 x 224 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780904107289