Stephenson Hall and Crewe Flats were the first halls to be established by the University of Sheffield in 1918. Previously, the buildings had been large villa style mansions. Crewe Flats was originally called 'Oakholme' and was built for solicitor Benjamin Burbeary in 1827. It was sold to Thomas Wilson, cutlery manufacturer, before becoming the residence of the Bishop of Sheffield for a short time. It was bought by the University in 1918. Stephenson Hall is first depicted on the 1894 25 inch OS map and marked as 'Carrysbrooke'. The villas were constructed on land that had been enclosed in a piecemeal fashion.