SIR ROGER NEWDIGATE'S PRIZE (1837-1839) Of all the prizes which Oxford could bestow, the Newdigate used to be the most popular.

Its fortunate winner was an admitted poet in an age when poetry was read, and he appeared in his glory at Commemoration, speaking what the ladies could understand and admire.

The honour was attainable without skill in Greek particles or in logarithms; and yet it had a real value to an intending preacher, for the successful reciter might be felt to have put his foot on the pulpit stairs.

John Ruskin was definitely meant for the Church, and he went to Oxford in the avowed hope of getting the Newdigate, if nothing else.

His last talk with Mr.
Dale was chiefly about ways and means to this end; and before he went up he had begun "The Gipsies" for March, 1837.
The prize was won that year by Arthur Penrhyn Stanley, afterwards Dean of Westminster.