Tobias Rustat
Tobias Rustat (1606?–1694) was a servant to Charles II and benefactor of the University of Cambridge. He is best remembered for creating the first fund for the purchase of books at the Cambridge University Library. The Rustat Conferences based at Jesus College, Cambridge are named after him.
Life
After an apprenticeship to a barber-surgeon in London, Rustat entered the service of William Feilding, 1st Earl of Denbigh, before becoming servant to George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham. An ardent Royalist, Rustat joined Buckingham in an uprising in Kent, where he saved the Duke's life. He was also present following the Battle of Worcester and aided Prince Charles's escape. In 1648 he escaped to the continent with Buckingham.[1] During this time Rustat acted as a courier between England and the exiled king's court.
In 1650 Rustat was made Yeoman of the Robes to Charles II, remaining in the position until the king's death in 1685.
Rustat's initial personal wealth came from his career as a courtier in the mid-17th Century. He added to his wealth when he became an investor in a series of trading companies including the Royal African Company. Historian William Pettigrew has stated that this company “shipped more enslaved African women, men and children to the Americas than any other single institution during the entire period of the transatlantic slave trade.” and that investors in the company were fully aware of its activities and intended to profit from this exploitation.[2]
Rustat is buried in the chapel of Jesus College, Cambridge.
Benefaction
In his later life Rustat became an important benefactor to a number of colleges of the University of Cambridge, in particular to Jesus College where his father had been a student.[3] In January 1667 he created the first fund for the purchase of books at the Cambridge University Library with a donation of £1000.[4] The books purchased from the fund were to be stamped with Rustat's crest.[5]
Rustat also created a scholarship at Jesus College for the sons of deceased Anglican clergyman. Samuel Taylor Coleridge later attended Jesus as a Rustat Scholar.[3]
He was awarded a Master of Arts degree per literas regias in 1674.[6]
His portrait was painted by Peter Lely, and Jesus College commemorated him in the naming of Rustat Road in Cambridge.[7]
References
- ^ . Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.
- ^ https://www.jesus.cam.ac.uk/articles/legacy-slavery-working-party-recommendations
- ^ a b Garrett, Martin (2004). Cambridge: A Cultural and Literary History. ISBN 1-902669-79-7.
- ^ Oates, J. C. T. "The seventeenth century". A brief history of the collection. Cambridge University Library. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
- ^ "Binding stamp of Tobias Rustat". St John's College, Cambridge.
- ^ "Rustat, Tobias (RSTT675T)". A Cambridge Alumni Database. University of Cambridge.
- ^ Gray, Ronald (2000). Cambridge Street Names. Cambridge University Press. p. 46. ISBN 0-521-78956-7.