Decline in numbers and studies—University delegates at the Councils of Constance and Basle—Foundation of Lincoln and All Souls’ Colleges—Extension of University buildings; the Divinity School and the Bodleian Library—Final organisation of mediæval lectures and examinations—University curriculum—Statute of 1431, regulating ‘inception’—Duties of regent masters—Residence for degrees in the higher faculties 55 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 CHAPTER VIII. REIGN OF ELIZABETH AND CHANCELLORSHIP OF LEICESTER. Visitation under Elizabeth and policy of Archbishop Parker—Chancellorship of Leicester—Changes in the government of the University—Leicester’s administration of the University—Depression of intellectual life in the University—Encouragement of study by Elizabeth, and foundation of the Bodleian Library—Increasing refinement of academical life—Queen Elizabeth’s two visits to Oxford—Pestilences and disturbances in the sixteenth century 87 CHAPTER IX. THE UNIVERSITY UNDER JAMES I. The University patronised by James I.—James I.’s attitude towards the University and the Church—Rise and influence of Laud—Completion of the ‘Schools,’ and foundation of Wadham and Pembroke Colleges 100 CHAPTER X. THE UNIVERSITY UNDER CHARLES I. AND LAUD. Parliament at Oxford—Chancellorship of Laud—Compilation of Laudian statutes—Main provisions of the Laudian statutes—Studies and examinations under the Laudian statutes—Services of Laud to the University—Last five years of Laud’s chancellorship—Eminent members of the University in the generation preceding the Civil Wars—University life in the generation preceding the Civil Wars 107 CHAPTER XI. THE UNIVERSITY DURING THE CIVIL WARS AND THE SIEGE OF OXFORD.