In order to obtain a complete insight into the ancient state of the University, it is desirable to know not only what were the studies, but what were the peculiar recreations of its scholars: how the idle, if any such there were, filled up their vacant hours, and how the reading men refreshed themselves after the tedious disputations of the Schools. On these points it is not easy to satisfy our curiosity. Many of the unconnected notices which follow, being taken from ancient statutes, will throw but little light on the subject. Still they will not be without interest, as shewing the attempts made from time to time to prevent the introduction of popular sports which were thought contrary to sobriety and good discipline. We may also notice the various sources from which these decrees emanated. The King, the Visitor, the privy Council, the Heads of Colleges, the Senate—appear all in their turn to have exercised control over the habits and occupations of the University.

In the days of Chivalry, and while the University was still in its infancy, Cambridge appears to have been frequently the scene of tournaments and tiltings held by the Nobility and Gentry of the neighbourhood. The University did not patronize these rough and by no means clerk-like contests.