Treasury, British

John Moore (1646-1714) was bishop of Norwich, 1691-1707, and of Ely, 1707-1714. His library contained 29,000 books and 1,790 manuscripts at his death, and was famous throughout Europe. It was sold to George I in 1714, who gave it Cambridge University, following the intervention of Charles, 2nd Viscount Townshend.

Moore's executor may be the metaphysian Samuel Clarke (1675-1729), who enjoyed the patronage of the bishop during his career, and was his chaplain. Clarke became bishop of Norwich in 1698, and was thereafter rector of Drayton, of St Benet's, Paul's Wharf, London (1706), and of St James', Westminster (1709).