VENN: Adm. pens. (age 18) at CAIUS, Mar. 3, 1807. S. of Thomas, gent., of Eye, Suffolk. B. there. School, Ipswich. ' Matric. Michs. 1807; B.A. (2nd Wrangler and Smith's Prizeman) 1811. Migrated to Pembroke, 1811. M.A. 1814; D.D. (per Lit. Reg.) 1821. Fellow of Pembroke, 1811-14. Tutor. Proctor, 1816. Master of Jesus, 1820-49. (The appointment was made by Dr Sparke, Bishop of Ely, when French was only 31 years of age.) Vice-Chancellor, 1821 and 1834. Ord. deacon (Ely) Sept. 19, 1812; priest, Sept. 25, 1814. V. of Cretingham, Suffolk, 1824-7. R. of Monkton Moor, Yorks., 1827-49. Canon of Ely, 1831. Married Elizabeth Maria, dau. of John Wythe, Esq., of Eye, Feb. 1, 1821. Author, Translation of the Psalms, 1830, etc. Died Nov. 12, 1849. Buried at Brockdish, Norfolk. The remarkable restoration of Jesus College Chapel was begun under his direction. (Venn, II. 147; G. Mag., 1849, II. 635; Foster, Index Eccles.; D.N.B.; C.U. Hist. Reg., 44.)
| Year | Type | Name as Recorded | Location | Office/Status | Full Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1813 | Ordi(ordination) | French, William | / | deacon | View |
| 1814 | Ordi(ordination) | French, William | / | priest | View |
| 1820 | Appt(Institution) | French, William | Jesus College, Cambridge / | Master | View |
| 1824 | Appt(Admission) | French, William | Creetingham alias Cretingham / | Vicar | View |
| 1827 | Subsc | French, William | Moremuncton alias More Munketon / | Rector | View |
| 1827 | Appt(Institution) | French, William | Moor Monkton / | Rector | View |
| 1831 | Subsc | French, William | Ely cathedral / 3rd canonry | Canon | View |
| 1831 | Appt(Collation) | French, William | Ely cathedral / 3rd prebend | Prebendary | View |
| 1831 | Appt(Collation) | French, William | Ely Cathedral / 3rd prebend | Prebendary | View |