The Chancellor is the titular head of the University, and was in the earliest times the active head elected from among the resident masters. According to the 'original statutes' (MS Angelica 401) of ca 1236-54, he must 'promptly execute the masters' sentences when they bring them to his notice'. The length of his term of office varied from one to six years and more than one term might be served. When John Fisher was elected in 1502 he had recently served as Vice-Chancellor (1501), as Master of Michaelhouse (1497-1504) and as Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity (1502-4). On his election, also in 1504, to the see of Rochester he retained the Chancellorship. In 1513 he offered to resign in favour of Thomas Wolsey, newly appointed to the see of Lincoln, but when Wolsey declined the Chancellorship, Fisher was re-elected and remained Chancellor until his execution in 1535. From then on, Chancellors were elected from among the magnates of the land who could represent the University's interests at court, and, thus, with the exception of Lord Adrian (1967-76) were no longer resident in the University. Election is by the Senate and is for life. The Chancellor has the power to call Congregations, to admit candidates to degrees and to titles of degrees, and to see that all officers of the University duly perform their tasks.