Durham Castle

Durham Castle is a Norman castle in the city of Durham, England. It is the former residence of the Bishop of Durham. University College, Durham is there since 1837.

Together with Durham Cathedral, the castle is a World Heritage Site in England since 1986. It is open to the general public to visit through guided tours.

History

The construction of the Castle began in 1072. It follows the usual Norman style. It was built by order of William the Conqueror about six years after the Norman conquest of England, and soon after the Normans first came to the North. The building took place under the supervision of Waltheof, Earl of Northumbria. Stone for the new buildings was cut from the cliffs below the walls and moved up using winches.

The Castle remained the bishop's palace for the Bishop of Durham until Auckland Castle became the bishops' residence in 1832. Durham Castle was donated to the University of Durham by Bishop William Van Mildert and later become the college. The college did not occupy the castle until 1837, renovations of the building was completed by the next Bishop, Edward Maltby.

Chapels

The Norman Chapel is the oldest accessible part of the castle built in about 1078. Its architecture is Anglian in nature, possibly due to forced Anglian labour being used to build it. In the 15th century, its three windows were all but blocked up because of the expanded keep. It then fell into abandonment until 1841 when it was used as a corridor through which to access the keep.

During the Second World War, it was used as a command and observation post for the Royal Air Force when its original use was recognised.

The chapel was re-consecrated shortly after the war and is still used for weekly services by the college.

Tunstall's Chapel, named after Cuthbert Tunstall, was built in the 15th century and is used for worship within the college. It was modified in the 17th Century by Bishop Cosin.

Related pages

Listed in the following categories:
Post a comment
Tips & Hints
Arrange By:
Carl Griffin
18 November 2015
Impressive fortress complimenting the cathedral opposite.
Elias Gerstmayr
16 January 2016
Lovely view from the river, opposite to the cathedral. The great hall gives the Harry Potter experience.
Thanasis Karampelas
16 September 2013
Really impressive place! A lot of things going on in the castle nowadays! Tour is the best thing to do when in town!
Majed Badghaish
28 December 2013
Put on tennis Shoes and just walk with a nice Camera, you will love every picture you take
Ulisses Barres
10 February 2014
Very nice place to live in! :-)
Mr Price
10 August 2015
You can't visit Durham without going here
Load more comments
foursquare.com

Hotels nearby

See all hotels See all
The Townhouse

starting $168

Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County

starting $163

Hotel Indigo Durham

starting $207

The City, Durham

starting $85

Premier Inn Durham City Centre

starting $91

Travelodge Durham

starting $0

Recommended sights nearby

See all See all
Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Durham Cathedral

The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Durham Cathedral Priory

Durham Priory was a Benedictine priory associated with Durham

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Finchale Priory

Finchale Priory (pronounced finkle) was a 13th century Benedictine

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Brancepeth Castle

Brancepeth Castle is in the village of Brancepeth in County Durham,

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Lumley Castle

Lumley Castle is a 14th century quadrangular castle at

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Penshaw Monument

Penshaw Monument (officially The Earl of Durham's Monument) is a folly

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Auckland Castle

Auckland Castle (also known as Auckland Palace or locally as the

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Washington Old Hall

Washington Old Hall is a manor house located in the Washington area of

Similar tourist attractions

See all See all
Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle (in German Schloss Neuschwanstein) actually

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Tower of London

Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Château de Gruyères

The Castle of Gruyères (in french: château de Gruyères), located in th

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Hadrian's Mausoleum

The Mausoleum of Hadrian, now known as Castel Sant'Angelo is a

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Castello Scaligero (Sirmione)

Замок Скалігерів (італ. Castello Scaligero) —

See all similar places