Presented to the Vice-Chancellor and his successors by Robert, 2nd Earl of Essex, on his election as Chancellor in 1598. It is described and illustrated in: A. E. Shipley, ‘Cambridge University insignia’, Country Life, 6 Dec. 1919, p. 718 and R. A. Crighton, Cambridge plate: catalogue of an exhibition of silver, silver-gilt and gold plate at the Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge, (Cambridge, 1975) and illustrated in H. P. Stokes, Ceremonies of the University of Cambridge, (Cambridge, 1927). The cup forms part of the Vice-Chancellor’s insignia.
