St. Peter’s College, or Peter Houfe.

Antiquity.] — This College is generally re-puted the molt ancient of both Univerfities; butthere are three Colleges in Oxford which yet con-tend for greater antiquity, and the difpute is unde-cided by Antiquarians.

1. Baliol College, which was founded and en-dowed by John Baliol , Anno 1262, 46 Henry III .

2. Merton College, which was founded and en- 1dowed (but not incorporated) Anno 1274, 3d Ed­ ward I. by Walter Merton, Bilhop of Rocheller;and,

3. Univerfity College , endowed by William, Arch-deacon of Durham, Anno 1249, 3 2c ^ Henry III .

Founder.]— Peter Houfe, as it is generallycalled, claims for its founder Hugh de Bal-sham, at that time Sub-prior of Ely, who iii theyear 1257, q.2d Henrv III. purchafed two Halls, orHoftels, near St. Peter’s Church, which, thoughA formerly