The University Chest is a term used, with slightly varying meaning, at the
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in Oxford, England. There is evidence of teaching as early as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world's second-oldest university in contin ...
and the
University of Cambridge
, mottoeng = Literal: From here, light and sacred draughts.
Non literal: From this place, we gain enlightenment and precious knowledge.
, established =
, other_name = The Chancellor, Masters and Schola ...
. The abbreviated form ''The Chest'' is common at Cambridge.
Oxford
At Oxford the term is used in connection with the financial aspects of the University and its administration.
There has traditionally been an actual chest, an iron box that can be locked and used for storage.
Jan Morris
(Catharine) Jan MorrisJan Morris, Paul Clements, University of Wales Press, 2008, p. 7 (born James Humphry Morris; 2 October 192620 November 2020) was a Welsh historian, author and travel writer. She was known particularly for the ''Pax Brita ...
, ''Oxford''. Oxford University Press
Oxford University Press (OUP) is the university press of the University of Oxford. It is the largest university press in the world, and its printing history dates back to the 1480s. Having been officially granted the legal right to print book ...
, 1987. . Page 41. The current Chest at Oxford was made in the 17th century and is officially called "The Painted Chest".
Today, the modern "Chest" is in practice the finance department of the University. The central administration is located in modern buildings in
Wellington Square.
Cambridge
At Cambridge the term is used to refer to the main capital account of the University. Again, the term derives from an actual chest, which was used to secure University property from the medieval period.
See also
* ''
An Oxford University Chest'' by
John Betjeman
Sir John Betjeman (; 28 August 190619 May 1984) was an English poet, writer, and broadcaster. He was Poet Laureate from 1972 until his death. He was a founding member of The Victorian Society and a passionate defender of Victorian architectu ...
(1938).
References
{{reflist
External links
A history of the University ChestChest, TheSources of Funds: The Chest Terminology of the University of Oxford
Terminology of the University of Cambridge
History of the University of Oxford
History of the University of Cambridge
Economy of Oxford