824 a classical tripos was added. The ground covered by
these honour examinations was certainly narrower than that which lay
within the scope of the corresponding examinations at Oxford, but at
both places the studies of most undergraduates were still directed more
by the judgment of their tutors than by the regulations of the
university.

These two universities were, however, subject to two limitations, which
prevented them from providing a higher education for all aspiring
students. The expense of living at Oxford and Cambridge, and the close
connexion of both universities with the Church of England, rendered them
difficult of access to many. These limitations were emphasised by the
fact that Scotland possessed five universities which were the opposite
of the English in both respects, and not a few English students could
always be found at the Scottish seats of learning. The reform ministry
made a serious effort to remove or alleviate the grievances of
dissenters. Among other reforms mooted was the abolition of theological
tests for matriculation and graduation. In 1834 a bill, which proposed
to effect this change, but which left intact such tests as existed for
fellowships and professorships, passed its second reading in the commons
by a majority of 321 against 174, and its third reading by 164 against
75. It was, however, thrown out on the second reading in the lords by
187 votes against 85. Though in this particular case the demands of the
dissenters were moderate, they were themselves opposed to other measures
introduced for their benefit, and the question of tests at Oxford and
Cambridge was not unnaturally allowed to rest for another twenty years.

[Pageheading: _UNIVERSITY OF LONDON._]

It was only in the reign of George IV. that anything was done to provide
a university education for those who were unable to proceed to the
ancient seats of learning. But the movement, once started, progressed
rapidly. The oldest of the university colleges, as they are now called,
is St. David's College, Lampeter, which was founded in 1822, mainly
through the exertions of Dr. Thomas Burgess, Bishop of St. David's, who
was supported by many others among the Welsh clergy. The college was
opened in 1827, but at first it had no power of conferring degrees, and
contented itself with the education of candidates for holy orders. A
more important movement was initiated in 1825. In a public letter
written by the poet Campbell to Brough