The Cambridge History of English and American Literature in 18 Volumes (1907–21).
Volume II. The End of the Middle Ages.

XV. English and Scottish Education. Universities and Public Schools to the Time of Colet.

§ 10. Hugo de Balsham.


In 1280, Hugo de Balsham, tenth bishop of Ely, imitated in Cambridge the example of Walter de Merton by planting a settlement of “studious scholars” among the brethren of the hospital of St. John; in 1284, the severance of the scholars from the brethren gave rise to the establishment of Peterhouse, the oldest of Cambridge colleges.   36