The University Chest is a term used, with slightly varying meaning, at the
University of Oxford and the
University of Cambridge. The abbreviated form ''The Chest'' is common at Cambridge.
Oxford
At Oxford the term is used in connection with the financial aspects of the University and its administration.
There has traditionally been an actual chest, an iron box that can be locked and used for storage.
[ Jan Morris, ''Oxford''. Oxford University Press, 1987. . Page 41.] The current Chest at Oxford was made in the 17th century and is officially called "The Painted Chest".
Today, the modern "Chest" is in practice the finance department of the University. The central administration is located in modern buildings in
Wellington Square.
Cambridge
At Cambridge the term is used to refer to the main capital account of the University. Again, the term derives from an actual chest, which was used to secure University property from the medieval period.
See also
* ''
An Oxford University Chest
''An Oxford University Chest'' is a book about the University of Oxford, written by the poet Sir John Betjeman and first published by John Miles in London in 1938. The full title is ''An Oxford University Chest. Comprising a Description of the Pr ...
'' by
John Betjeman
Sir John Betjeman (; 28 August 190619 May 1984) was an English poet, writer, and broadcaster. He was Poet Laureate from 1972 until his death. He was a founding member of The Victorian Society and a passionate defender of Victorian architecture, ...
(1938).
References
{{reflist
External links
A history of the University ChestChest, TheSources of Funds: The Chest Terminology of the University of Oxford
Terminology of the University of Cambridge
History of the University of Oxford
History of the University of Cambridge
Economy of Oxford