Robert Flemming (died 1456), was dean of Lincoln. Background Robert Flemming, born in the diocese of York, was likely an illegitimate son of Robert Flemming, esquire, of Wath, near Ripon (d.1459). His aunt, Cecily Fleming, married, in 1407, Robert Waterton, 'Henry IV's esquire and right-hand man'. His uncle, Richard Fleming (d.1431), was Bishop of Lincoln and the founder of Lincoln College, Oxford. He was probably connected with the earlier days of the college, the foundation of which was left by his uncle in an incomplete and unfinished state. At any rate, he displayed afterwards his care for this society by some valuable presents. Probably also he had an early connection with the church at Lincoln, inasmuch as twenty years after his uncle's death, under the episcopate of Bishop Lumley, he was chosen to be dean (1451). Lincoln Cathedral was then in a most disturbed state from the long and bitter struggle which had been carried on between the late dean, John Mackworth, and the bishop, William Alnwick. Doubtless the disputes between the episcopal and decanal powers still continued, and this may have induced Flemming to leave his cathedral and become a resident in Italy. Here also he had far greater facilities for cultivating his literary tastes. Flemming is said by Leland and Pits to have distinguished himself at Oxford, and to have gained a reputation for his elegant Latin scholarship. Life in Italy His journey to Italy is attributed to his eager desire for instruction. He visited, according to the same writers, all the more celebrated universities, and formed friendships with their most learned scholars. At Ferrara he became the pupil of Baptista Guarino, professor of Greek and Latin, and attended his lectures for a considerable period. He then went to Rome, where he remained several years intent upon study. Here he formed a friendship with Platina, the author of the ‘Lives of the Popes,’ and librarian of the Vatican, and other learned men, and became known to the reigning pontiff, Sixtus IV, a pope whose sole recommendation was his love of letters. Pope Sixtus appointed Flemming to the office of prothonotary, and he thus became employed in the complicated affairs of the Roman see. In summer, during the hot season, it was his custom to retreat to Tivoli, and here he composed his poems, written in heroic metre and dedicated to the pope. Legacy These poems were entitled: 1.