Hatfield College, Durham

Hatfield College is a college of Durham University in England. Founded in 1846 by David Melville, it was the second college to be associated with the university, after University College (founded 1832). The college was originally called Bishop Hatfield's Hall. It is named after Thomas Hatfield, Prince-Bishop of Durham from 1345 to 1381. The college's founder pioneered the idea of catered residences for students which would later evolve to the now common practice of student residences.Hatfield College occupies a large site above the River Wear on North Bailey next to Durham Cathedral on the World Heritage Site peninsula. The buildings are an eclectic blend of 17th century halls, early Victorian buildings and major additions during the last century. The college's entrance is via a gateway from North Bailey. The college boathouse is situated within the grounds, as is the Victorian college chapel.The current Master of the college is Tim Burt, Professor of Geography at Durham University, though he is set to retire in the summer of 2017.History and buildingsDuring the 18th century, the oldest part of the site was occupied by a coaching inn, the Red Lion, which was for many years the centre of concert and social life in Durham, hosting composers such as Charles Avison. The dining room, known in the 18th century as Richardson's Long-Room and later as Hoult's Assembly Room, remains substantially unchanged, retaining many of its original features.