[4] In 1846, David Melville opened Bishop Hatfield's Hall, initiating the pioneering practice of letting rooms furnished and serving food communally at a fixed price.

The founding principal was Revd John Pedder, a Durham graduate who had previously been bursar at University College.

[7] In 1854 Pedder moved to become principal at Bishop Hatfield's Hall, and his place was taken by 28-year-old Revd James John Hornby, a fellow of Brasenose College, Oxford and a noted rower.

[9] In 1860, Hornby wrote to Henry Montagu Villiers, the newly appointed Bishop of Durham, requesting his aid in obtaining a royal commission to address the university's difficulties.

[10] The commission took place in 1861-2 and made extensive recommendations, but did not have enough immediate effect to save Bishop Cosin's Hall, which was merged into University College at the start of Michaelmas Term 1864 due to falling student numbers.