Tripos verses

The university's history can be dated back to the early thirteenth century, when scholars congregated in the city for the purpose of study. The first college, Peterhouse, was established in 1284. The Tripos is the university's formal examinations. It is commonly divided into two parts, which are taken successively.

44 sets of Latin verses, circulated when an act for degree was kept, written in various hands. Nos 1-14 are dated 1575-1584. The following are endorsed: 'Carmina bach. tripodis 17o f[eb.] primo die quadragesime 1579 secundum compotum ecclesie Anglie' [3]; 'Carmina patris viz magistri Hutchynson in ultimo actu scilicet 17 Martii 1579 secundum compu[tum...]' [4]; 'Carmina patris die comitiorum quadragesime 1581' [7]; 'primo die Quadragesime 1582 secundum computum ecclesie etc. D. Palmer Tri.' [9]; 'In comitiis 1582' [10]; 'In vesp. in philosophia 1582 Mr Cowell' [11]; 'In vespere comitiorum 1582 Mr Incept Tyndall' [12]; 'In die comitiorum 1583 Mr Beamond' [13] (under backing); 'In postremo actu viz 2 Aprilis 1584 Mr Ferbecke' [14]. There are notes on the flyleaves by John Willis Clark, Registrary, 27 October 1899, relating to the transfer of the verses to the Library.

Transferred from the University Registry, 1899.

Please cite as Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives, Tripos verses, MS Add.3873

See also 'A Report by the Registrary on the collection of Tripos verses collected and arranged by him for the University Library', 6 June 1900 (CUA ULIB 7/1/10).

Microfilm available