Ancient_and_modern_York_a_guide

132 ANCIENT AND
to the Cathedral by the widow of that prelate. The library
contains some valuable manuscripts and good specimens
from the press of Caxton; and, among other works, a copy
of Erasmus's New Testament in Greek and Latin, printed
on vellum.
The library is situated at the north-east side of the
Minster, in the Deanery gardens. It is attached to the
new Deanery,—a handsome building in the Elizabethian
style, and opposite the dwelling-house of the Canons re
sidentiary, from whom admittance to the library is ob
tained. The room, which forms the library, though not
spacious, is neatly fitted up. The west window contains,
on beautiful stained glass, armorial bearings of the mem
bers of the church ; in the centre of which is a shield re
presenting the arms of the duke of jClarence, who visited
the Cathedral, September 29th, 1806.
St. William'& CoIUge.
This building is situated in College-street, to the east of
the Minster. It appears by records, that King Henry VI.
granted his letters patent, for erecting a college " to the
honour of St. William, in the close at York, for the
parsons and chantry priests of the cathedral to reside in ;
whereas before they lived promiscuously in houses of lay
men, and women, contrary to the honour and decency of
the said church," as the patent expresses; and King
Edward IV., in the first year of his reign, granted other
letters patent, of the same tenor, to George Neville, then
bishop of Exeter, and to his brother Richard earl of
Warwick and their heirs, to found and sustain this college,
and to have the nomination of the provost for ever. The
archway forming the entrance, is very ancient, and has
above it a statue of St. William. The building forms a
quadrangle, inclosing a small court yard;—round which
are the remains of many curious wooden figures. It was
in this building that the royal printing presses were Bet
tip in 1642, by King Charles I.