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1280 Peterhouse founded

The College of the scholars of the Bishop of Ely was founded in 1280 by Hugh de Balsham, the Benedictine monk who was Bishop of Ely from 1257 to 1286. It was founded for "studious scholars living according to the rule of the scholars of Oxford called of Merton", and they were to live in "the dwelling-place of the secular brethren of the Hospital of St John", which stood on the site now occupied by St John's College. The intention of the foundation was to improve the supply of academically educated clergy.

It was soon discovered however that the new scholars did not fit in with the brethren and almsmen of St John's Hospital, and new accommodation had to be found. In 1284, the scholars moved to two hostels by the church of St Peter, outside the Trumpington Gate. The College was known as the Hall of the Scholars of the Bishop of Ely or, due to its location, the House of St Peter. It was later variously called St Peter's College and Peterhouse.

The College remains on its 1284 site, though the church is now known as St Mary the Less.

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