Oxford undergrad begs dad for beer money – in 13th century letter

The more things change the more they stay the same


Even 800 years ago Oxford students were begging their rents for money to pay for booze and parties, a 13th century letter reveals.

The cash-strapped Oxford University student wrote to his dad complaining he had run out of funds and needed more to carry on his scholarly pursuits.

He begged his father for more money to pay for rent and supplies – as well as for other things that he refused to “clarify”.

On the piss – 13th century style

But the Middle Ages pupil made reference to three Roman gods – god of wine Bacchus, god of beer Ceres and Apollo, the god of partying.

The student, writing in 1220, said: “B. to his venerable master.

“This is to inform you that I am studying at Oxford with the greatest diligence, but the matter of money stands greatly in the way of my promotion, as it is now two months since I spent the last of what you sent me.

“The city is expensive and makes many demands; I have to rent lodgings, buy necessaries, and provide for many other things which I cannot now specify.

“Wherefore I respectfully beg your paternity that by the promptings of divine pity you may assist me, so that I may be able to complete what I have well begun.

“For you must know that without Ceres and Bacchus Apollo grows cold.”