cc01295

Arms of Joseph Meade, Mead or Mede 1586-1638

unknown

One of the Alumni who helped set up the Library with Watson, and Burrell. Born 1586 died 1638 1603 admitted sizar; BA 1606/7; MA 1610; BD 1618. Often passed over at Fellowship elections because of his leanings to Geneva. Supported by the Bishop of Ely. Elected to King Edward VI Fellowship 1613/14 which he held to his death. He kept in the ground chamber just under the College Library. Dean 1617 and 1619; Mildmay Greek Lecturer 1618 till his death. Had few pupils but several made significant marks. Care for them is evidence by his letters, method of teaching "was excellent", based on a tutorial approach, remarkable width of studies. An acute logician an accurate philosopher, skilful mathematician, excellent anatomist, great philologer, a master of many languages and proficient in history and chronology and mystical divinity. He may justly be called the a precursor of the Platonic School of the next generation. In one respect he has for us a human interest greater than Cudworth or even Henry More. We still have the mass of letters which fill two folio volumes at the British Museum [Harl.389,390] chiefly useful for the light which they throw on a singularly lovable character and also for the information respecting University matters and public events. He left the residue of his estate to the new building and the adorning of the Chapel. He left his books to the Library. He is buried in the middle of the area of the south side of the chapel. There is no known portrait of him. [PBR I pp245] The arms show: (sable) a chevron (erminois) between three pelicans (or) vulning themselves (proper) MEAD. [DB Heraldry]

16th century

carving

stone

carved