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Hatfield College at the University of Durham

Hatfield College at the University of Durham is the second-oldest of the Durham residential colleges . Founded in 1846, Hatfield occupies a number of buildings in the historic center of Durham city adjacent to Durham Cathedral. These informal photos by Robert J. O’Hara were taken during a speaking visit to Durham. For more information about the residential colleges please visit the main Collegiate Way page .

Main gate of Hatfield College along the Bailey, in the center of Durham city. The Hatfield College chapel is the building on the left.

Arched entrance to Dunham Court passing under the Hatfield College chapel.

Commemorative plaque in Dunham Court honoring Kingsley Dunham, a fellow of Hatfield College.

Dunham Court, one of the quadrangles of Hatfield College. The college bar is on the first floor of the building on the left.

Formal dinner in the Hatfield College dining hall at the University of Durham, as seen from the high table.

After dinner coffee in the Hatfield College Senior Common Room .

A section of the Hatfield College Senior Common Room.

Quiz night in the Hatfield College bar. The college master, Professor Tim Burt (right), is the master of ceremonies.

Lion murals in the Hatfield College bar.

Bow Lane in the Durham city center. Hatfield College buildings are on the left, and the Hatfield master’s residence is the white house on the right.

Did you know?

The Red Lion is the most popular, or among the most popular, pub names in England today!

Hatfield College

Hatfield College is the second oldest of Durham University's Colleges. It was established in 1846, and originally known as Hatfield Hall. To find out more about the college today, visit the Hatfield College website .

First-year Hatfield students processing to the Cathedral for matriculation, the ceremony celebrating the beginning of university life, led by the Acting Master, the Bursar, the Senior Man, and Fresher's Representatives.

The College Namesake: Bishop Hatfield

The college was named after a fourteenth-century Durham Bishop, Thomas Hatfield, whose architectural contributions to Durham were significant. It was Hatfield who built the Castle Keep, as well as the Bishop's throne in the Cathedral. (The throne was intentionally constructed to be higher than the seat of the pope.)

It was under Hatfield that many of the privileges of the Prince Bishops were formalised, as was their status as practically autonomous leaders. During Hatfield's time, for example, an old dispute arose between himself and the Archbishop of York, who claimed that he could visit Durham whenever he wanted. Hatfield, like his predecessors, was of the opinion that the Archbishop of York couldn't just announce that he was visiting - he needed to request an invitation. The dispute was referred to the king, who ruled in Hatfield's favour, ascertaining the Bishopric's importance.

The tomb of Bishop Hatfield lies under the throne built by him in the Cathedral.

© Michael Sadgrove

A London Townhouse

Hatfield's prominence was such that he built a townhouse, Durham House, on the Strand in London, in one of the few locations that offered a good view of the river. The main advantage of Durham House, though, was that it was very close to Westminster Palace, the king's main residence. Hatfield's importance at court, as 'the first, or among the first,' at royal functions, gave Hatfield College its motto, 'Vel Primus Vel Cum Primis, which means the same in Latin.

A sixteenth-century map showing the area of Westminster in London, where Hatfield built his townhouse (indicated in red). The king's main residence, Westminster Palace, would have been located in the area shaded yellow. (The map was produced by Norden in 1593.)

College Buildings

The oldest of the college buildings is what is today the dining room, which probably dates back to the 17th century. In the 18th century, the building became a coaching inn, The Red Lion - a stopping point for coaches on the long journey between London and Edinburgh. Coaching inns like the Red Lion remained important until the 19th century, when the construction of the railways made train journeys a more efficient means of transport.

The dining room at Hatfield College, formerly the Red Lion Coaching Inn.

The Hatfield dining room in use at a college formal dinner. The students in this photo are spooning, a Hatfield college tradition where the undergraduate students call the members of the Senior Common Room to dinner by banging their spoons on the table to different rhythms.

The Story of a Fireplace

The 17th century fireplace currently in the Mayor's Chamber in the Durham Town Hall originally came from the building which is now the Hatfield dining room. This features a portrait of Charles I and his queen, Henrietta Maria.

The fireplace has an interesting history: In 1845, the Red Lion building was put up for sale, but the owner, Walter Scruton, stipulated that the fireplace, then in his bedroom, was not to be included in the sale. He presented it to the Corporation of Durham, but kept the two portraits for himself. The portraits passed then on to Scruton's brother-in-law. Twenty years later, in 1865, they were put up for sale. They were purchased by the Mayor of Durham put back into the fireplace.

It is thought that the portraits were a gift from Charles I to the Bishop of Durham Thomas Morton (Bishop from 1632-1646), who hosted the king in Durham Castle.

The mid-seventeenth century fireplace now in the Mayor's Chamber of Durham Town Hall came from the building now housing the dining room of Hatfield College. The two portraits are of Charles I and his queen, Henrietta Maria.

University Accommodation: The First or Among the First

True to the college motto, it was the first in England to provide university accommodation in the modern sense of the word: an arrangement where students would be provided with furnished rooms and meals for a flat fee. Previously, students furnished their own rooms. Thus, it was at Hatfield that the idea of a college dorm was born.

As such, the first purpose-built buildings were constructed in 1849 by Anthony Salvin, a familiar name in Durham, at a cost of 4,000 pounds.

View of the accommodation block designed by Anthony Salvin at Hatfield College.

The College Chapel

Built in 1854, the chapel was another first building - the first purpose-built university chapel in Durham. Its architect was James Turner, also the chaplain of Bishop Cosin's Hall.

As was fashionable at the time, two of the stone bosses on the building are carved with recognisable faces: one of Bishop Van Mildert – the founder of the university – and the other warden Thorpe, the first vice-chancellor. The university library, constructed a few years later, continued the same tradition.

Interior view of Hatfield College Chapel, looking towards the altar.

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At Hatfield, the Head of College is called the 'Master', otherwise known as Head of House.

Professor Ann MacLarnon, Master, has overall responsibility for all aspects of college management and leading the college community. We also have Assistant Master, Heather Bell, who is your pastoral and welfare care, the admissions process and the College mentoring system.

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The collegiate system is one of the most distinctive features of Durham University. Colleges provide a unique environment for living and working, enabling students to achieve the best possible academic success and to develop their potential more broadly. Hatfield is a forward-thinking college with a strong network of very supportive alumni and friends.

Durham Tours

Fancy taking a virtual tour around Durham? Our brand new 'Durham University Tours' app is available now in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store!

Hatfield College, Durham

Offering clean and comfortable accommodation in the heart of the city.

Customer rating: 4.09 (136).

Price per night: from £37.50 to £101.

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Hatfield College is situated in the shadow of the great Norman Cathedral and World Heritage Site, and on the banks of the River Wear. It is a few hundred yards from all the facilities and amenities that Durham has to offer. Hatfields’s Melville Building provides 22 twin/double executive-style ensuite bedrooms and two family rooms with a private shower, toilet and hand basin, wardrobe and tea/coffee making facilities, television & radio alarm clock. These rooms have been awarded the "VisitBritain" 4-star rating, which confirms them as the best University accommodation available. There are 93 single ensuite bedrooms in the newly refurbished Jevons & Pace Buildings. The college can also offer standard bedrooms which are fully carpeted, centrally heated and have their own wash basin. Showers and toilets are conveniently located on each floor. Accommodation is available during University Summer vacations; throughout July, August and September.

Founded in 1846, Hatfield College is a residential college of the University of Durham. It is right in the city centre, nestling beneath Durham's magnificent World Heritage Cathedral. The College buildings are an interesting blend of Georgian coaching inn, early Victorian room sets and major additions during the last century. The rates include a full English breakfast served between Monday to Friday 8:00-10:00 / Saturday and Sunday 8:00-10:30 in the Georgian Dining Hall. Either relax in the college quads or take a stroll along the nearby banks of the River Wear.

• 18th century buildings
• 19th century buildings
• 20th century buildings
• Breakfast Included
• Parking (free)
• Shared gardens
• Woodland walks
• Cooked breakfast (included)
• Recommended walks
• Pub (walking distance)
• Museums (walking distance)
• Recommended restaurants (walking distance)
• Theatre (walking distance)

Arrival information

Luggage can be stored if required. On arrival please report to the Reception, which is open 24 hours per day. As the College is in the historic centre of the city, parking is not available at the College, please use close by City Centre Car Parks. To drive to the College you have to enter the city’s congestion charge zone for which a £2 charge is levied when you leave from 10-4 Mon-Sat. Alternatively there is a park and ride scheme in Durham or you can make use of one of the close-by city centre car parks. Hatfield College is a 5 minute taxi ride (about £3) from Durham Station. All the taxi drivers know the college, so you won't need to give them directions. Alternatively, if you're carrying light luggage, the walk from the station through town is picturesque and will take about 20 minutes. There is a tourist map on the platform.

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The Best Durham Colleges in 2024

Durham University is one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious universities. With 17 colleges to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which one is the best Durham College for you. 

To help narrow down your options, we’ve researched and compiled a list of the best Durham colleges for 2024 based on key factors such as academic standards, student feedback, and facilities. 

Read our guide to find out what are the best Durham Colleges. 

If you consider seriously Durham, read also our guides:

• How To Apply To Durham University
• Is Durham University good?
• Durham University Acceptance Rate
• How To Choose Durham College
• Durham Colleges Pros And Cons

How to Choose The Best Durham College

Choosing the best Durham college is an important decision for your UCAS application . A college community is a vibrant and diverse group of individuals who are not limited to those who reside within the college campus. 

This includes undergraduate and postgraduate students who may choose to live off-campus, faculty staff and alumni who have previously been a part of the college. 

Together, they form a dynamic and inclusive network of people who are connected by their shared experiences and affiliation with the Durham colleges and universities .

As you are set to spend a minimum of three years at Durham College, making the right decision is crucial. During this period, you will be immersed in campus life, establish new friendships, build partnerships, and acquire knowledge. 

Your choice will undoubtedly have a significant impact on your student life and overall experience at the University of Durham. 

Therefore, it is essential to carefully weigh your options and make a sound decision that aligns with your academic and personal goals.

When it comes to choosing a college at Durham University , there are several critical factors to take into account. 

Here is a full guide:

• How To Choose Durham College In 2023

Firstly, the course you intend to study should be a primary consideration since different colleges specialise in particular subjects. Secondly, the location of the college is important as it can impact your daily commute and access to various amenities. 

Accommodation is another essential aspect to consider, with many colleges offering a range of options from catered to self-catered. 

Also, the size of the college should be taken into consideration, as smaller colleges can offer a more intimate and close-knit community. In contrast, larger colleges can provide a broader range of facilities and activities. 

The facilities offered by the college should also be evaluated, such as the availability of study spaces, libraries, and IT resources. 

Formal dinners are also something to consider as they can be a unique experience at the college. Durham Colleges are famous for Formal dinners where all students and member staff are in the old dining room (the inspiration for Harry Poter’s formal dinner at Hogvorts is from Durham). However, not all colleges have Formal dinners, so make sure to check this if it’s important for you. 

Maybe last but not less important are sports and extracurricular activities. Sports and extracurricular activities can play a vital role in enhancing your overall experience, so it is important to explore the various opportunities available at each college. 

Taking the time to consider each of these factors will help ensure that you select the best Durham college that is suited to your needs and interests. 

???? Pro Tip: Talk with Alumni and visit Open Days to make a better decision. 

How many colleges are at Durham Uni?

Durham’s vibrant student life revolves around its 17 colleges, which offer an incredible array of student-led activities. 

There are 17 colleges at Durham University, each with its unique character and identity.

Whether you’re into sports, theatre, or music, or you want to explore new interests through volunteering or event organising, your College provides the platform to unleash your potential and gain valuable life skills.

Durham Colleges List

Here is a complete list of the 17 colleges at Durham University :

• Collingwood College
• Grey College

Hatfield College

• John Snow College
• Josephine Butler College
• South College
• St Aidan’s College

St Chad’s College

• St Cuthbert’s Society
• College of St Hild & St Bede

St John’s College

St mary’s college.

• Stephenson College
• Trevelyan College

University College (Castle)

• Van Mildert College
• Ustinov College (Postgraduate only)

Durham Colleges Ranking in 2024

Undergraduate Durham Colleges rankings are always a contentious issue since they don’t have popular ranking tables like Norrington or Tompkins . Palatinate, an official student newspaper at Durham, developed Palatinate’s Evans Table. You can check rankings here.

However, we provide you with a Durham college ranking table based on the number of applicants and popularity, according to the official statistics report .

Here are Durham Colleges ranked in 2024.

Evans Score Table Rankings 2023

Palatinate’s Evans Table is a ranking of Durham colleges by academic performance. It was developed and introduced for the first time in 2022. 

The Evans scoring system for Durham college rankings awards nine points for a first-class degree, four points for a 2:1, one point for a 2:2, and zero points for a Third or lower. The total score is then divided by the maximum possible score to determine a college’s annual – ‘Evans score. The rankings are based on the degrees awarded at the end of the academic year.

The Evans Score is named in honour of Sir Harold Evans, the former Sunday Times editor who passed away. Sir Harold was a renowned journalist and Durham University College graduate who was committed to promoting excellence in education and journalism.

Durham Colleges Acceptance Rate

The overall acceptance rate for Durham University is 74% , according to the admission statistical report . However, if you are interested in a specific Durham college and do not want to make an open application, you may want to calculate your chances of being accepted. 

Below is a table of the acceptance rates for each Durham College for the 2020/2021 admission cycle:

It’s important to note that these acceptance rates may vary from year to year and depend on various factors, including the number of applications received, the quality of applicants, and the number of available spots.

Learn everything in our guide:

• What Is the Durham University Acceptance Rate?

Which is the hardest Durham College to get into?

The three most popular colleges in Durham , and hardest to get into,  are St Chad’s , University College , and St Mary’s . However, these colleges have significantly lower acceptance rates compared to the average. St Chad’s has an acceptance rate of 40%, University College (or Castle) has an acceptance rate of 45%, and St Mary’s has an acceptance rate of 56%.

What is the easiest Durham College to get into?

The easiest colleges to get into at Durham University are South College and Stephenson College with acceptance rates of 96.5% and 96%, respectively. Van Mildert and John Snow colleges have a slightly lower acceptance rate of around 94%. 

It is worth noting that these acceptance rates are significantly higher than the average acceptance rate at Durham University.

Durham Collegiate System

The collegiate system is unique to Durham University and is one of the reasons why the university is so highly regarded and recognised in the UK. It’s often compared to Oxford and Cambridge . 

Each Durham College has its character and identity, which creates a strong sense of community within the university. 

The collegiate system also means that students have access to a wide range of facilities, formal, sports activities and resources within their college, as well as across the university.

It’s hard to rank which of the Durham colleges is the best. To help narrow down the options, we researched several key factors including the number of applicants, acceptance rate, quality of education, alumni and student feedback. Based on our findings, we have compiled a list of the 7 best Durham Colleges for 202 4.

St. Chad’s College boasts a history that dates back to 1904, making it one of the oldest colleges at the University of Durham. The college is a part of the heart of medieval Durham and is renowned for its stunning location. It’s been considered one of the best Durham Colleges for years. 

Despite being one of the oldest Durham colleges, St. Chad’s maintains the highest academic standards while providing a relaxed, friendly, and supportive atmosphere for its students.

With a total of around 550 undergraduate and postgraduate students, St. Chad’s is a small but welcoming community . The college has an excellent reputation for challenging and supporting its students. 

Competition for the admission process is high , making St. Chad’s of the top 3 most popular colleges in Durham in terms of applications per place every year. St. Chad’s acceptance rate is around 40%.

St. Chad’s offers the best library facilities and extensive study spaces, setting it apart from other Durham colleges. 

Keep in mind, Chad’s students have outstanding academic results, with 92% graduating with a 1st or upper-second-class honours degree in 2022. If you are entering into this college, you will be part of the top academics in the University.

A unique aspect of St. Chad’s is that students wear their college gowns to formal events such as Formal hall, matriculation, and college congregations. Members of the college don academic gowns and gather for formal hall one or two times per week, a tradition that brings together students and staff. 

During formal hall, fellows, tutors, and their guests sit at the high table, further fostering a sense of community.

The college is a “recognised college” of Durham University, meaning it is not maintained or governed by the university. It’s a totally independent institution. Nonetheless, it maintains a strong reputation as one of the best colleges at Durham University.

University College, known as Castle, is the oldest college of Durham University, founded in 1832. For almost all Castlemans is the best Durham College. 

This friendly living community is home to approximately 750 undergraduates, 700 postgraduates, and 300 University staff members. With more than 500 students residing in Castle’s five accommodation areas, including the Castle itself and four nearby residences, it’s no surprise that it’s the most popular Durham College. 

Due to its popularity, University College has a highly competitive admission process that receives numerous applications every year, with an acceptance rate of around 45% .

Castle offers a diverse range of facilities, including the Lowe Library, part of the Castle, the Undercroft, commonly known as “The Undie,” music rooms in Bailey Court accommodation, a small gym in Moatside Court, and a laundry in Bailey Court, open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Since you will study and live in University College (Castle), you have access to a wealth of opportunities to explore your values, interests, course of study, and personal well-being. 

You can participate in team sports, design sets for plays, work out with neighbours, attend concerts, serve as a peer mentor, volunteer in the community, and more. 

University College students (Castlemans) have a busy schedule, but the atmosphere is friendly and they usually manage to balance study and social life. 

Students get three meals a day in the Great Hall of the Norman castle, situated on the Bailey. It’s worth mentioning that University College is the only UNESCO World Heritage site where people, known as Castlemen, currently live and study!

Every Tuesday and Thursday, Castle hosts Formals, where students are expected to dress smartly and wear gowns. Booking a seat costs 1 GBP. During Formals, everyone attending must stand when the High Table enters, when grace is being said or sung, and when the Senior Student is bowing out.

Recommended guides for reading:

• Is Durham a good university?
• How To Apply To University After A Gap Year 2023
• How To Apply To Dentistry In The UK In 2023
• Applying To Medicine in the UK [2023 Entry]
• Applying To University In The UK In 2023
• Applying to Russell Group Universities in 2023

Hatfield College, established in 1846, is the second oldest Durham college . Positioned on one of the oldest streets in Durham, the college is laying between the banks of the River Wear and the World Heritage site of the Norman Cathedral.

Definitely in the top 3 best Durham Colleges. Also considered a posh college, since most of the students are from private schools. 

The college boasts a fantastic college spirit, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to create a welcoming and inclusive community. You’ll feel a part of the community due to its friendly atmosphere, despite the “stereotype” that college is called the most hated at the university.

Hatfield College offers comfortable rooms, and its cleaners are friendly and attentive to the needs of students.

Like other Bailey Colleges, Hatfield College requires the wearing of undergraduate academic gowns for formal events, such as the matriculation ceremony and Formal dinners every week on Tuesday and Friday. 

Initially established as a more affordable alternative to University College, Hatfield College introduced communal dining as opposed to private meals delivered by a personal servant. Opposite Castle college. These two are the biggest rivals. 

Hatfield College is renowned for its sporting activities and has become dominant in collegiate tournaments. The college has produced successful rugby players and has become associated with rugby culture, often known for its boozy socials with grim initiations and general boisterousness.

St. Mary’s College is founded in 1899. It is among the oldest and best colleges in Durham. With a friendly and welcoming mixed community of about 750 undergraduates, 150 full-time, and 200 part-time postgraduates, the college provides a great academic experience. 

Its location is also an advantage, as it is close to the university’s central facilities and academic departments.

St. Mary’s College has a fantastic reputation for providing exceptional support to its students. Every student at St. Mary’s is assigned a mentor who guides and supports them throughout their college journey.

Although it was previously a girls’ college, St. Mary’s is now a unisex college with only one female block, leading some to perceive it as a girls’ college. The grounds of the college are well-kept, making it a pleasant place to be.

St John’s College in Durham University is a highly regarded institution and one of the two independent “recognised colleges” of the university, the other being St Chad’s. 

It is the second smallest college in Durham , which fosters a close-knit community where students are familiar with each other, regardless of their year, course or accommodation. 

First-year and most final-year students live within the college, whereas second-year students are expected to arrange their accommodation. 

Freshers Reps are elected, who are well-known throughout the college and provide one-on-one interaction, giving new students a more solid foundation during their first few weeks than in larger colleges.

St John’s has an excellent reputation for food , which is rated among the best in the university . (We are sure this is because of good deserts) 

The catering team is friendly and accommodating to various dietary requirements. The college is fully catered during term time, and self-catered packages are not offered . The college’s location on the Bailey is also a significant advantage.

Students of St John’s College benefit from free formal dinners , free coffee, and free laundry facilities, which are all well-liked by students. 

The college community is known for being friendly, which is something that all students seem to agree on.

Collingwood

Collingwood College is the largest college of Durham University and has approximately 1800 students, out of which around 520 students live within the college. The college was established in 1972 and was the first mixed-sex college in Durham. It is named after Sir Edward Collingwood, a famous mathematician.

Collingwood College has a great academic record and excels in sports and the arts. The college has an active student body, known as JCR, which organises various activities and events. The college has an informal and relaxing culture, making it an energetic and modern place to study. If you don’t like traditional colleges, you will like Collingwood. 

Collingwood College has several sports clubs and societies, such as The Woodplayers (Drama Society), Collingwood College Arts Society, Collingwood College Fashion Show, Collingwood College Boat Club, Collingwood College Rugby Football Club, and Collingwood College Cricket Club, and others. 

The college offers two types of accommodation, Standard and En-suite bedrooms. It is a fully catered college, providing three meals a day, seven days a week, to its residents. The cost of all meals is included in the residence fee. 

This can be discouraging for students who prefer to prepare their meals for some reason.

St Cuthbert’s

St Cuthbert’s or commonly known as Cuth’s, is founded in 1888 by students and prides itself on maintaining its independent spirit while offering all the benefits of being part of Durham University. 

The college does not have gowned formal dinners. Its accommodation options are varied and flexible, ranging from rooms in historic houses on the Bailey to modern self-catered flats at Parson’s Field. 

Cuth’s offers three catering options: catered, self-catering, or part-catered. The college boasts excellent IT facilities, including two computer suites with high-spec machines, large flat-screen monitors, and 24-hour access. WIFI is available throughout the college for convenience.

Map Of Durham Colleges

The map of Durham colleges provides an overview of the different colleges that are part of Durham University. 

These colleges are scattered throughout the city of Durham and vary in size and character, from the oldest and most traditional to the newer and more modern. 

Durham Colleges map serves as a useful tool for students and visitors alike to navigate and explore the various colleges, each with its own unique history, architecture, and academic and social opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Considering important factors such as the number of applicants, acceptance rate, quality of education, alumni and student feedback, we are able to rank the best Durham Colleges. And help you choose a college at Durham . 

From our research, St Chad’s College, University College (Castle), Hatfield College, and St Mary’s College are among the best Durham colleges in 2024. Each college has its own unique features, such as St Chad’s excellent library facilities and extensive study spaces, Castle’s diverse range of facilities, Hatfield’s welcoming and inclusive community, and St Mary’s modern facilities and close proximity to the city centre.

Hatfield College has gained notoriety for being regarded as the poshest college, with a majority of its students having attended private schools in the UK.

South is the most recent addition to Durham University’s college system, having been established in 2020.

“Castle,” which is the oldest of Durham University’s colleges, is affectionately known as University College. It offers a unique and supportive community that provides students with stimulating academic experiences, exciting social events, and valuable personal assistance.

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Senior Common Room

The Senior Common Room at Hatfield College exists to promote:

• The work of the College as a flourishing community of scholars; and
• Links between the College, its three common rooms and the wider community.

To this end, the Senior Common Room seeks to support:

• Research and scholarly activity;
• The wellbeing of all three common rooms (JCR, MCR and SCR) of the College;
• Visiting and honorary fellows at the College;
• Links with a range of University institutions, departments and the wider community;
• Social and recreational activities that help promote and strengthen the foregoing.

The following are examples of the endeavours of the SCR:

• Participating in or promoting the research and scholarly activity of the College;
• Providing a programme of lectures and seminars by members of the Senior Common Room and visiting fellows;
• Mentoring support for the College's students;
• Participation in joint events with the Junior and Middle Common Rooms;
• Providing social and recreational activities of a cultural nature for members of the Senior Common Room.

Membership:

• All members of staff at the University are welcome to apply for membership of the Senior Common Room;
• College Mentors are  ex officio  members of the Senior Common Room;
• Members of the local community are particularly welcome to apply for membership.

We currently have over 200 members, taken not only from all areas of the University but also from the local community. Our membership includes some honorary members and past members of the University.