ABSTRACT

Up to 1678 the quantity bought varied between about 120 and 250 yds. annually. From 1678 to 1751 a fixed amount of 240 yds. is entered yearly, i.e. representing the amount allowed by the College, but as the length of cloth required for each boy varied from 2 1/4 to 3 3/4 yds. according to size, the actual amount used each year must have varied. In 1700-30 occasional entries under Fortuiti Proventus give sums saved on scholars’ cloth, and presumably represent savings on the length of cloth short of 240 yds., not on the rates entered. In 1731, 1733, 1735, 1737-39 and 1741-51, in the Expenses of Necessaries, additions to the cost of scholars’ cloth are entered, and are assumed to represent the amount over 240 yds. used in these years, though the sums quoted, ranging from 6s. 7 3/4d. in 1731 to £5 6s. 9d. in 1744, are not exact fractions or multiples of 5s. 9d., the current rate per yd.