University of Northampton (13th century)
Map of medieval Northampton; this is John Speed's map from 1610, but the layout of the city was largely the same in the 13th century. | |
| Latin: Universitas Northamptoniae | |
| Type | Medieval university |
|---|---|
| Active | 1261–1265 |
| Location | , , |
| Campus | University town |
The University of Northampton was based in Northampton, England, from 1261 to 1265.
The university was established by royal charter after approval from King Henry III in 1261. It was the third university in England, after Oxford and Cambridge, and the 22nd in Europe. After being advised by bishops and magnates that Northampton was a threat to Oxford, Henry III dissolved the university in 1265, and signed a Royal Decree that banned the establishment of a university in Northampton.
In 2005 the decree was repealed by the Privy Council, allowing the then University College Northampton (founded in 1924) to gain university status and become the University of Northampton.