Elizabeth Morley, Benefactress, Early 1500s

One of the College's first benefactors, Elizabeth Morley was the widow of Robert Morley, a citizen and draper of London. Unfortunately we have no further information about her life but in a deed (dated 1515) drawn up between herself, William Porter (Warden of New College) and Matthew Smyth (Principal of Brasenose), she gave to Brasenose the manor of Pynchpolles in Chiping-Faringdon and other lands in Faringdon and Westbrook near Faringdon. The Principal and Scholars of Brasenose were required to say prayers for the soul of Elizabeth and all deceased members of the College every year in the College Chapel, as well as provide a Priest to preach once a year at St. Margaret’s, Westminster.

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