Other than a brief period as Assistant Master at Winchester College in 1874, Chawner's life was dedicated to Emmanuel where he became a Fellow in 1871, tutor (1875–90) and master from 1895 until his death in 1911. During his tutorship the college entered upon a period of remarkable growth; as master he was largely instrumental in establishing a scheme of Exhibitions for students preparing for work in elementary schools, in connection with the Day Training College.[1]
A paper, Prove All Things, written by Chawner and read by him to a religious discussion society at Emmanuel in 1909, led to the formation of the Heretics Society.
