94 
the civic authorities and the gieat religious houses. It was in 
these parts that the Mendicant Orders established themselves, 
built their houses and churches. The hovels were rudely built, 
the streets ill-formed and dirty, with no attempt at sanitation, the 
signs of destitution and disease everywhere abounding. Amongst 
such surroundings the Franciscan friars erected their church, 
awelling-house and hospital. The friars wore coarse gowns and 
with feet bare they pursued their labours. Their preaching was of 
rough and homely style. They had in most cases belonged to the 
cultured classes, but had sacrificed all in obedience to a divine 
voice which led them to devote their lives to the poor. The 
friar was to be found hearing confessions and giving advice, and 
helping the people in many ways. He was to be found also by 
the bedside of the sick and in the hospitals tending the sick and 
ministering to their necessities. 
As may be readily imagined the Mendicant Orders were not 
popular among members of the aristocratic monastic houses, 
and many are the complaints to be found in the pages of the 
chroniclers referring to the intrusion of the friars, as it was 
termed, into their parishes. It was a special grievance that 
they seduced the hearts of their people by hearing confessions 
and granting absolution for nothing. It soon became evident 
that even this evangelizing work would not suffice for the 
energies of the new Order. The chief officials of the state and 
the judges were taken from the ranks of the clergy. The fact 
that an aptitude for affairs and a knowledge of the civil law 
were more essential qualifications for promotion than profound 
theological learning or religious zeal had led to a comparative 
neglect of the study of divinity at the universities and cathedral 
and monastic schools, Schools where theology and afterwards 
philosophy and the Canon Law were taught, were opened at 
Oxford and Cambridge. The movement was materially helped 
at Oxford by one who has a special claim upon the affection of 
Englishmen, Robert Grossetéte, afterwards Bishop of Lincoln. 
Under the protection of Bishop Grossetéte the Franciscan move- 
ment made great progress, not only at Oxtord but also through- 
out the country. Roger Bacon, the greatest natural philosopher 
of his day, was a Franciscan, and a pupil of Bishop Grossetéte. 
To this Order, as well as to their colleagues, and afterwards 
thei rivals, the Dominicans, is to be ascribed the revival of 
theology at the Universities, and perhaps that wonderful im- 
provement in the higher ranks of the clergy, which impels the 
present Bishop of Chester to style this period of History the 
golden age of the English Church. 
The Order subsequently became degraded, the members thereof 
being mere instruments of the Papal See to collect funds, carry 
on wars and fulfil similar functions. Chaucer spoke of them 
