Bundle of letters mostly concerned with the Jubilee Fund set up to raise money to purchase 'Somerville' for the UHMC. Includes letters making contributions and letters declining contributions.
A conflict ensues when officials from Manchester College, Oxford (MCO) make clear their disapproval, suggesting instead that the two colleges amalgamate basing themselves at Oxford. This generates fears of a takeover.
The issues becomes public when opposition is expressed in and article in The Inquirer during May. MCO proposes a conference on the issue, but UHMC committee refuse to participate. A letter from Gordon to James R. Beard of 24 May states 'If the premonitions do not fail me, we are in for a fight; and personally I am ready for it.' There are letters critical of the proposed purchase, and letters supportive.
The upshot of the conflict is the formation of a committee to meet with representatives of MCO. The draft resolution of the committee states that they are 'unable of enter into a Conference on the basis of amalgamation of the two Institutions' but willing 'to consider suggestions for co-operation between the two colleges...' MCO agree to send 7 representatives to meet with 7 from the UHMC.
There is also a warden's account from Hulme Hall ( to help with estimates of expenses related to the running of new premises), and a letter from Gordon to Beard saying that he has agreed to take up the 'residential headship' of Summerville, a letter regarding building work on Summerville and the sale of accompanying land.