Henry Lewis Thompson

“ In all matters relating to the university Dean Liddell exercised considerable authority during many years. The Clarendon Press owes very much to his enlightened and prudent guidance; his refined artistic tastes, and lifelong friendship with Ruskin, led him to take a deep interest in the university galleries. He was vice-chancellor 1870–4, and discharged with singular dignity and efficiency the duties of that important office, which had not been held by a dean of Christ Church since the days of Dean Aldrich (1692–4) . ”

“ As a ruler of his college he was somewhat stern and unsympathetic in demeanour, but he became more kindly as he advanced in years, and his rare and noble presence, high dignity, and unswerving justice gained the respect and gradually the affection of all members of his house. ”

“ But it satisfied nobody ; the senior students especially demanding a place in the administration of the property of their house, of which the dean and chapter had always enjoyed the sole management. After much controversy a private commission of five distinguished men was appointed, who drew up a new scheme of government, which all parties agreed to abide by, and which was embodied in the Christ Church Oxford Act, 1867. Under this act a new governing body was created, consisting of the dean, canons, and senior students, who were to be the owners and managers of the property. ”