Anthony Blencowe ca.1542-1618

Anthony BLENCOWE ca.1542-1618

Biographical Note

Born (probably) at Blencow, Cumberland, son of Anthony Blencowe. Through his mother he was related to the Dudley family, Barons Dudley. BA Oriel College, Oxford 1563, MA 1566, BCL and DCL 1586, praelector of dialectics 1567, senior proctor 1572, Provost of Oriel 1574. Prebendary of Wells 1586. Towards the end of his life he initiated a rebuilding project in the College, to which he bequeathed the proceeds from selling the residue of his estate after family provisions were made (amounting to ca. £1300), enabling the construction of part of the front quadrangle.

Books

After making various monetary and other bequests to friends and members of his family, Blencowe bequeathed the residue of his estate to Oriel, directing that it be sold for the College's benefit; he did however direct that such of his books "as shall be thought fit" should be retained for the College library. 67 titles are listed in the donors’ book, mostly canon law. He also gave 16 books to the Bodleian Library in 1601.

Sources

• J. Blencowe, The Blencowe families, 2001.
• J. Foster, Alumni Oxonienses: The Members of the University of Oxford 1500-1714/1715-1886, 8 vols, Oxford, 1891.
• C. Emden, Oriel papers, 1948.
• G. Richards and H. Salter, The Dean’s register of Oriel 1446-1661, 1926.