Item 1 - Foundation Charter

A prominent English churchman and statesman, Richard Foxe held many important ecclesiastical offices during the course of his life, including positions as the Bishop of Exeter, Durham, and from 1501, as Bishop of Winchester. He was a powerful political ally of King Henry VII of England and assumed a number of important diplomatic and ministerial responsibilities during Henry’s reign, both domestically and abroad. Foxe was appointed Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal in 1487, a position which he held until his resignation in 1516. A generous benefactor, Foxe built and endowed grammar schools at Grantham and Taunton, and in 1517, officially founded Corpus Christi College, Oxford.

Foxe held a number of close connections to Cambridge. In 1500, he was elected Chancellor of the University and from 1507 to 1518, served as Master of Pembroke Hall. As one of Lady Margaret Beaufort’s executors, Foxe worked closely with John Fisher in establishing the foundation of St. John’s College. He died at Wolvesey in October 1528.

Illegitimate son of Henry Beaufort, 2nd Duke of Somerset, and Joan Hill. He spent his childhood in exile and came to England with Henry Tudor in 1485, who knighted him on 7 August 1485. He stopped using the surname Beaufort and took that of Somerset instead. He married Henry VII's ward, Elizabeth Herbert, the sole heir of William Herbert, 1st Earl of Huntingdon, in 1492. Through his wife he acquired substantial lands in Wales. He administered the marcher lordship of Glamorgan for the Crown and was awarded more lands and titles, making him the most powerful man in south Wales. He was made a Knight of the Garter in 1496. In 1501 he was made Vice-Chamberlain of Henry VII's household. In 1504 he was created Baron Herbert. In 1509 Henry VIII made him Lord Chamberlain, head of the royal household. Both monarchs employed him on international military and diplomatic missions. He was created Earl of Worcester in 1514 and in the period 1518-1520 conducted negotiations with France, culminating in the Field of the Cloth of Gold, for the organisation of which he was mostly responsible. He died on 25 April 1526 and was buried at St George's Chapel, Windsor.

Son of Ralph Lovell of Beachamwell, Norfolk. Studied Law at Lincoln's Inn and practised in Norfolk. Joined revolt against Richard III in 1483. In 1485 he served as Speaker of the House of Commons in Henry VII's first Parliament, and in the same year was made Treasurer of the King's Chamber and Chancellor of the Exchequer. He was a leading councillor of both Henry VII and Henry VIII. He fought for Henry VII and the Battle of Stoke Field (1487), in France (1492), and in putting down the Cornish Rebellion (1497). In Henry VIII's wars of 1511-1514 he supervised the procurement of artillery and the fortification of Calais. Other offices held included: Treasurer of the King's Household (1503); Lieutenant of the Tower of London (1513), and Steward of the Universities of Oxford (1507) and Cambridge (1509).

Son of Sir John Marney of Layer Marney, Essex, and Jane Throckmorton. Served as Privy Councillor for Henry VII in 1485-1487 and for Henry VIII in 1509. Fought for Henry VII at the Battle of Stoke Field, 1487, and in putting down the Cornish Rebellion in 1497. Fought for Henry VIII in France in 1513. He held positions of power in Essex, including J.P. and M.P., and by Henry VIII was given offices including Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1509), Vice-Chamberlain and Captain of the King's Guard, constable of Castle Rising, steward of the Duchy of Cornwall, and Lord Privy Seal (1523).

Chamberlain to Lady Margaret Beaufort after 1504 and an executor of her will.

Henry Hornby was secretary, dean of chapel and chancellor to Lady Margaret Beaufort, and a key figure in the foundation of St. John's College, Cambridge. After graduating D.D. in 1495, Hornby was appointed Fellow of Clare College, Cambridge. He became Master of Peterhouse in 1509. Other notable appointments include Rector of Burton Bradstock, Dorset (1495-1517); Prebendary of Southwell (1496-1518); Prebendary of Lincoln (1501-1518), Dean of Wimborne, Dorset; and Rector of Orwell (1508-1518).

Ashton was a member of Lady Margaret Beaufort’s household and served as her receiver-general from around 1502, before rising to the position of comptroller from late 1508. He began an MA at Oxford in 1507, but was quickly granted permission to transfer to Cambridge in order to study canon law. Among his various subsequent appointments, Ashton served as canon and prebendary of St. Stephen’s, Westminster from 1509; Archdeacon of Winchester, 1511-1519; Archdeacon of Cornwall from 1515; Rector of Grasmere to 1511; and Archdeacon of York from 1516.

Ashton was an early fellow of and benefactor to St. John’s College. His tomb and effigy were transferred from their chantry in the old College chapel to the new chapel in 1868 and are still visible in the north transept today.