51-52).

The Earl of Manchester, who had been living in complete retirement from public affairs since the establishment of the Commonwealth, still retained the nominal dignity of the Cambridge Chancellorship; but Cromwell had already for five years been Chancellor of the University of Oxford himself, having been elected to the office in January 1650-1, after the Earl of Pembroke's death.
His interest in University matters had been naturally sustained by this official connexion with Oxford, and had shown itself in various ways before his Protectorate; but his Protectorate added fresh powers to those of his mere Chancellorship for Oxford, and brought his native University of Cambridge also within his grasp.

He availed himself of his powers largely and punctually in the affairs of both, and was applauded in both as the steady defender of their honours and privileges .-- To rectify what might still be amiss in them, or too much after the mere Presbyterian standard of Puritanism, he had appointed, by ordinance of September 2, 1654, (Vol.IV.p.

565), a new body of Visitors for each, to inquire into abuses, determine disputes, &c.

The result was that the two Universities were now in better and quieter working order than they had been since the first stormy interruption of their old routine by the Civil War.