ABSTRACT
Samuel Wilberforce lived in the Bishop’s Palace at Cuddesdon from 1845 to December 1869, providing a pervasive presence during the time of the first three principals of the College. The foundations which were laid in terms of training for ordination were rooted not simply in his initial vision,1 but in the ongoing presence of his own ministry and teaching. By 1870 he had become “the chief ornament” 2 of the English Church, and it is important to note Chadwick’s comment that, despite long absences from Cuddesdon as his Diocesan and national responsibilities developed, his correspondence confirms his deep involvement with staff and students in the detailed running of the college.3
