Note 339 — Chapter IV · COLLEGIATE AND SOCIAL LIFE AT THE UNIVERSITY

In the same century Hobson, who died in 1630 at a great age, was the famous Cambridge carrier and kept the first livery stable in England. His numerous clients would find a large stable full of steeds from which “to choose” (with bridle whip and even boots provided); but everyone was expected to take the horse next the door: hence ‘Hobson’s choice,’ which has become an English household phrase, as has another Cantab expression, ‘constitutionalize’ for walking. Yet another phrase is ‘tawdry,’ the name given to the flimsy gaily coloured chains which were sold at Barnwell (now Midsummer) fair on the eve of S. Awdrey’s day. Hobson was immortalised by verses of Milton’s.