The advowson was purchased by Thomas Tooke, DD, the incumbent and late fellow in 1712 for £400 and bequeathed to the college by his will dated 7 December 1719, his brother John and his heirs, however, enjoying it for 50 years from the death of the testator.
Thomas Tooke died in 1721, his brother John in 1764 and John's son Robert in 1776. The college was then involved in a lawsuit with Mrs Calvert, sister to the late incumbent, who claimed the right of presentation. The case was finally decided in the college's favour.