Iste summe delectabatur in multitudine librorum; he had more books, as was commonly reported, than all the other English bishops put together.

He had a separate library in each of his residences, and wherever he was residing, so many books lay about his bed-chamber, that it was hardly possible to stand or move without treading upon them.

All the time he could spare from business was devoted either to religious offices or to his books.

Every day while at table he would have a book read to him, unless some special guest were present, and afterwards would engage in discussion on the subject of the reading.

The haughty Anthony Bec delighted in the appendages of royalty--to be addressed by nobles kneeling, and to be waited on in his presence-chamber and at his table by Knights bare-headed and standing; but De Bury loved to surround himself with learned scholars.