University of Durham/History

After Henry VIII had split from the Catholic? church and dissolved the monastries, the strongest group remaining were Oxford and Cambridge universities (often referred to together as Oxbridge). Their duopoly on educated young men ensured that the king could not dispose of them - but they remained a threat.

Henry VIII wished to found Durham University in order to dilute the Oxbridge power base, but was unable to do so as Oxford and Cambridge scholars vowed to refuse to acknowledge any degrees earnt at Durham.

Oliver Cromwell, during his time as Lord Protector of Britain and the Commonwealth, sought to found another University. Again, the Oxbridge universities refused to acknowledge Durham degrees, and the attempt failed.

It wasn't until 1832 when Parliment? passed an Act founding the University that Durham University was actually started. [[\Grey College|Grey College]], built in the late 1950's commemorates the second Earl Grey, who was the Prime Minister when Durham University was begun.