[1] Abbot John Lytlington of Crowland Abbey was licensed by Letters Patent of King Henry VI to acquire a site so that a hostel could be established in Cambridge for Benedictine student-monks.

The Benedictines sited their Monks' Hostel north of the River Cam at a distance from the temptations of town.

John of Wisbech, Abbot of Crowland, planned First Court and completed the Chapel.

Four local Benedictine abbeys, Crowland, Ely, Ramsey and Walden, contributed to the college buildings.

In 1519, Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham built the college Hall.