April 1645: An Ordinance for exempting the University of Cambridge from Taxation,

April, 1645

[11 April, 1645.]

Whereas humble representation hath been made to the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament on the behalf of the University of Cambridge, that the said University and the several Colledges therein are brought to such necessity, by reason of the failing of their Rents (a great part whereof cannot be received in these times of Troubles and Distractions) as they shall be altogether unable to support any longer the Students of the said Societies, unless they may be freed and exempted (according to their Charter and the indulgence of former Parliaments), from all Military Taxes and other contributions to the publique service, which are imposed by Ordinance of Parliament.

Cambridge University and Members exempted from taxation.

The said Lords and Commons taking the premises into consideration, and to the end they may give as much ease and relief as the times will bear to these eminent Schooles and Seminaries of Learning, for their better encouragement to continue their Studies with diligence for the publique benefit both of Church and Common-Wealth, think fit and Ordain, and be it Ordained, That nothing contained in any Ordinance or Ordinances of Parliament for and concerning the imposing, Leavying, or paying of any Assessments, Taxes and charges whatsoever, as well already made and charged as hereafter to be made and charged by vertue of any of the said Ordinances, shall be extended to charge the said University of Cambridge, or any of the Colledges or Halls within the said University, nor any the Rents and Revenues belonging to the said University or Colledges, or any of them, nor to charge any Master, Fellow or Schollar of any the said Colledges, nor any Reader, Officer or Minister of the said University or Colledges, or any of them, for and in regard of any Stipend, Wages, or profit whatsoever arising or growing due to them or any of them in respect of their said several places and imployments in the said University, any thing in the said Ordinances or any of them to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding.

No tenants of University to claim benefit by this Act.

And all Assessors, Collectors, and others whom this may concern, are hereby required to take notice of this Ordinance.

Provided that the Tenants who enjoy Leases from the said University and Colledges respectively do claim no freedom, exception, or advantage by this Ordinance.