Its buildings, after a period of disuse, were sold in 1555 to Thomas Pope, who used them to found Trinity College, Oxford, while its estates were returned to the Dean and Chapter of Durham Cathedral.

[3] A site to the north of the city walls was acquired by the priory in 1286[1][4] or 1291,[5] during the priorate of Hugh of Darlington, and building commenced under his successor, Richard de Hoton.

[3] In 1338, Richard de Bury (or Aungerville), Bishop of Durham and noted bibliophile, attempted to secure the future of the college by persuading King Edward III to assign the proceeds of the profitable rectory of Simonburn to the nascent college, which he also intended to establish with new statutes dedicating it to God and St Margaret, and equip with his famed library of over 1,500 volumes.

Once selected, the eight scholars would learn philosophy and grammar, whilst being paid to assist the monks in unspecified day-to-day tasks.

[5] The funds proved sufficient for the laying out of a quadrangle around which various buildings were constructed, including living quarters, a refectory, a chapel (1408–9) and a library (1417–8).

[17][18] The college buildings were again surrendered to the crown in March 1544/5 and not regranted,[1] while its estates reverted to the Dean and Chapter of Durham.

[17] The buildings were briefly occupied as a private hall by Walter Wright, Archdeacon of Oxford and later Vice-Chancellor of the university, but they then fell into disrepair, and are described colourfully by Anthony Wood as "canilia lustra" (dog kennels).

[1] On 20 February 1554/5 the remainder of the site, having been redistributed in 1553 to private owners (Dr George Owen of Godstow and William Martyn of Oxford) was sold to self-made politician Thomas Pope, who used them to found Trinity College 16 days later.

The east range of the Durham College quadrangle largely survives, including 15th century stained glass in the Old Library on the first floor.