The Crown And Oxford’s Autonomy In England (1209—1413)

Scholars have been fascinated by the history of Oxford which encompasses many aspects such as the origination, the regime, the life of students and stuff like that since the end of the 19th century. Not so many of them were involved in the study of its autonomy, however. It is estimated that the inclination of the autonomy was twined in the relationship between the university and the authorities which contain the king and the church, making it not easy to outline the process of the autonomy. The writer, here, is to attempt to explore the formation of its autonomy from this angle.The town of Oxford has attracted lots of scholars thanks to its unique surroundings till the late 12th century when the first shadowy appearance of a corporation had began to emerge. As a result of a hazardous riot in 1209 which made the university experience a narrow escape, Oxford achieved a papal mandate for the first time. This marked its beginning as an organised university, with scholars as a corporation to reckon and the post of the chancellor to turn up. With the help of kings, the university of Oxford seeked privileges so as to achieve autonomy. By 1413, various privileges which lay foundations for the autonomy have been obtained by chancellors and scholars. Opportunities became accessible for the university to mind its own business. Step by step, Oxford became autonomous. Or strictly speaking, the inclination of its autonomy was clearer and clearer. The autonomous tradition of Greek and Rome gave a lesson to Oxford. So did the medieval municipalities and guilds. On the way to privileges and the autonomy, the powerful monarchy has played a leading role.However, characters may be found in the autonomy of Oxford. The degree of Oxford’s autonomy was not such deeper than that of Paris. The university was regarded as a newborn in medieval times, which would influence the society deeply, attracting interests of secular authorities. The influences they have played can offer a new point of view about the the crown.