“ It is difficult for the holder of that dignified but leisured position, the Provostship, to make a great mark, and it cannot be said that Dr. Hornby made one. But he was loyal, just friendly, and a keeper of the peace—and more can scarcely be demanded of a Provost of Eton. ”

“ James John Hornby was born at Winwick on December 18, 1826, and had therefore nearly completed his 83rd year at the time of his death. He was educated at Eton and at Balliol College, Oxford, and both at school and at the University, and indeed all through his early and middle life, offered the happiest combination of the scholar and the athlete. He played in the Eton eleven in 1845 and rowed in the Oxford eight in 1849 and 1851, one of his brother oarsman being afterwards the celebrated Jude Lord Justice Chitty. ”

“ His mother was Sophia Maria, eldest daughter of that Sir John Burgoyne who was forced to capitulate at Saratoga, and who afterwards, happier with the pen than with the sword, wrote successful comedies, including The Heiress—the piece in which Miss Farren, as the heroine, won the hear and hand of the Lord Derby of the day. ”