The colour is said to be derived from that worn by the Prince Bishop of Durham 's armies .
Whiting recounts in Bishop of Durham 's 's centenary history of the University that colour was based on a coat worn by Bishop Van Mildert .
The colour is said to be derived from that worn by the Prince Bishop of Durham 's armies , although Whiting recounts in his centenary history of the University that it was based on a coat worn by Bishop Van Mildert .