In 1570 Sir Humphrey Gilbert laid before the Queen a plan for an Academy or University of London.

His plan was as follows:—

“Seeing that young gentlemen resort most freely to London there should be an Academy, viz.:—

1. A master for G. and L., £40.
2. Four Ushers at £20.
3. One Hebrew at £50.
4. One Logic and Rhetoric, £40.
   Exercise and instruction in English.
5. One Reader of Moral Phil., £100.
6.    „       „       „  Natural Phil., £40.
7. Two mathematicians ea. at £100
   1. Arith., Geom., Fort.
   2. Cosmog., Astronomy, Navigation.
8. Two Ushers at £40.
9. Riding Master.
10. Drill Master, £66:13:4.
11. Physician £100, with a garden.
12. Reader of Civil Law, £100.
13. Reader of Divinity, £100.
14.     „       „  Law, £100.
15. Teacher of French, £26; Spanish, £26; Italian, £26; Dutch, £26; with Ushers at £10.
16. Master of Defence, £36.
17. Dancing and Vaulting School, £26.
18. Music, £26.
19. Steward, Cooks, Butlers, etc., £600.
20. Minister and Clerks, £66:13:4.
21. Teacher of Heraldry, £26.
22. Librarian, £26.
23. Treasurer, £100.
24. Rector.
    Amounting in all to £2966:13:4 a year.

“By erecting this academie, there shall be hereafter an effect, no gentleman within the Realm but good for something; whereas now the most parts of them are good for nothing. Your Majesty and your successive Courtes shall be for ever, instead of a nurserie of idlenes, become a most noble Academy of Chevallrie, Policy, and Philosophie.”