William Dennison (academic)
Encyclopedia
William Dennison was an Oxford
academic and administrator. He was a contested Master
of University College, Oxford
.
, in 4 November 1722, the position of Master was contested by two men, Thomas Cockman
and William Dennison. Dennison was previously a Percy Fellow at University College. In the first election on 4 December 1722, Thomas Cockman was elected by a narrow margin. A formal complaint was made to the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University that the election was contrary to the statutes. Another election was organised, at which Dennison presided. Dennison was elected on 17 December 1722. However, Cockman's name had already been formally recorded as Master of the College. Both men complained to the Vice-Chancellor and a decision was made in favour of Dennison. The situation escalated with an appeal to the Crown
. The issue was not finalised until 1729 when it was resolved in favour of Thomas Cockman rather than Dennison. This was the only time in University College's history when it had two Masters.
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is a university located in Oxford, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest surviving university in the world and the oldest in the English-speaking world. Although its exact date of foundation is unclear, there is evidence of teaching as far back as 1096...
academic and administrator. He was a contested Master
Master (college)
A Master is the title of the head of some colleges and other educational institutions. This applies especially at some colleges and institutions at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge .- See also :* Master A Master (or in female form Mistress) is the title of the head of some...
of University College, Oxford
University College, Oxford
.University College , is a constituent college of the University of Oxford in England. As of 2009 the college had an estimated financial endowment of £110m...
.
Contested Mastership of University College
On the death of the previous Master of University College, Arthur CharlettArthur Charlett
Dr Arthur Charlett was an Oxford academic and administrator. He was Master of University College, Oxford for thirty years until his death in 1722...
, in 4 November 1722, the position of Master was contested by two men, Thomas Cockman
Thomas Cockman
Revd Dr Thomas Cockman, Doctor of Divinity was an Oxford academic and administrator. He was Master of University College, Oxford.Thomas Cockman was Rector at Chidingstone in Kent in 1705....
and William Dennison. Dennison was previously a Percy Fellow at University College. In the first election on 4 December 1722, Thomas Cockman was elected by a narrow margin. A formal complaint was made to the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University that the election was contrary to the statutes. Another election was organised, at which Dennison presided. Dennison was elected on 17 December 1722. However, Cockman's name had already been formally recorded as Master of the College. Both men complained to the Vice-Chancellor and a decision was made in favour of Dennison. The situation escalated with an appeal to the Crown
The Crown
The Crown is a corporation sole that in the Commonwealth realms and any provincial or state sub-divisions thereof represents the legal embodiment of governance, whether executive, legislative, or judicial...
. The issue was not finalised until 1729 when it was resolved in favour of Thomas Cockman rather than Dennison. This was the only time in University College's history when it had two Masters.