University of Northampton (thirteenth century)

The University of Northampton was a university in existence in Northampton from 1261 to 1265.

The University was established by Royal Charter (after approval from King Henry III) in 1261. It was the third university established in England (and indeed what is now the United Kingdom) after the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. The new university quickly attracted many scholars and students from the older universities. After being advised by bishops and magnates that Northampton was a threat to Oxford, Henry III dissolved the University in 1265.

The University's name was revived in 2005 when the unconnected University College Northampton was upgraded to full university status and renamed the University of Northampton.