Durham Castle

Welcome to Durham Castle, a site that perfectly encapsulates the dual nature of medieval power in Northern England. Built in 1072 under the orders of William the Conqueror, this fortress was designed to secure the north against…

We enter the castle through the massive Gatehouse, a structure that once controlled access to the inner sanctum of the Bishop's palace. As we step into the open Courtyard, the scale of the fortification becomes apparent. …

Descending into the depths of the castle, we reach the Norman Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Durham, dating to around 1078. This space is a revelation—a pristine example of early Norman Romanesque architecture. …

We now ascend to the Great Hall, a space of truly magnificent proportions. Built in the late 13th century by Bishop Bek and later modified by Bishop Fox and Bishop Cosin, this was the primary venue for the Prince Bishops to…

As we move through the palace wing, we encounter the Black Stairs, a stunning example of 17th-century craftsmanship commissioned by Bishop Cosin. Following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Cosin undertook a major…

Continuing our tour, we enter the Tunstall Gallery, named after Bishop Cuthbert Tunstall, who served in the mid-16th century. This long, elegant gallery showcases the shift towards Renaissance aesthetics. …

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Durham Castle today is its use as student accommodation. As we walk through the corridors, we see the doors to student rooms—some of which are located in the most ancient parts of the…

Our exploration of Durham Castle concludes back in the central courtyard, where we began. We have journeyed through nearly a millennium of history, from the rugged Norman foundations of the underground chapel to the refined…