[Oxford University Act 1854.] Autograph Memorandum by Rev. Dr Richard Harington, Principal of Brasenose College, headed 'Oaths imposed by College Statutes and Declarations against change in Statutes'.

In 1850 Lord John Russell had set up a Royal Commission to enquire 'Into the State, Discipline, Studies, and Revenues of the University and Colleges of Oxford'. The Law Magazine, in its issue of August-November 1852, praised the Commission's report as 'most valuable' and 'meritorious', noting among the obstacles to its completion 'the resolute and dogged refusal of information on the part of many, intimately connected with the University', including Harington's college Brasenose. The Spectator discussed the report on 29 May 1852, and reproduced all 47 recommendations on 5 June 1852. The present document is 2pp, folio. On the rectos of the two leaves of a bifolium of grey paper, watermarked 'E TWOGOOD | 1852'. In good condition, lightly aged with slight creasing to corners. Headed: 'Oaths imposed by College Statutes and Declarations against change in Statutes'. Begins: 'At a meeting of the Commission Committee held on March 5. 1853. the following note as entered in the Minutes: | The Committee does not think that all oaths imposed by College Statues should be prohibited as unlawful; but that Declarations against change in Statutes are detrimental and ought to be abolished.' The note continues with reference to the thoughts of the committee on the powers of heads and fellows, and with a long quotation from a 'communication to the Committee' from the Provost of Oriel, i.e. Edward Hawkins (1789-1882).