Sidney Sussex College was founded by Lady Frances Sidney (1531-1589), wife of Thomas Radcliffe, Earl of Sussex, who left a bequest of 5000 for the establishment of a new college in Cambridge. Lady Frances' plans were put into effect by her executors, the Earl of Essex and Sir John Harrington, who also contributed generously to the new college, and were responsible for the production of its statutes. The college was built on the site of the Grey Friars', which was obtained from Trinity College, and was designed by Ralph Symons. The college opened in 1598, with James Montagu, D.D., of Christ's College, as master.
John Freeman (1712-1746) was born at Ringstead, Northamptonshire, on 29 September 1712. He attended Oakham School, before entering Sidney Sussex College in 1731 (B.A., 1735; M.A., 1738; D.D., 1745), where he became a Fellow in 1736. He was ordained deacon in 1735, and died on 30 December 1746.
From the guide to the Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge: Statutes, 1739, (Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives)
