Durham Castle Entrance

Durham Castle is a Norman castle in the city of Durham, England, which has been wholly occupied since 1840 by University College, Durham. It is open to the general public to visit, but only through guided tours, since it is in use as a working building and is home to over 100 students. The castle stands on top of a hill above the River Wear on Durham's peninsula, opposite Durham Cathedral

The castle was originally built in the 11th century as a projection of the Norman king's power in the north of England, as the population of England in the north remained "wild and fickle" following the disruption of the Norman Conquest in 1066. It is an example of the early motte and bailey castles favoured by the Normans. The holder of the office of the Bishop of Durham was appointed by the King to exercise royal authority on his behalf, the Castle was his seat.

It remained the Bishop's palace for the Bishops of Durham until the Bishops made Auckland Castle their primary residence and the castle was converted into a college.

Photo 468, May 2011

Durham Castle

Photo 424, May 2011

Durham Castle

Photo 469, May 2011

Durham Castle

entrance to Bishop Bek's Great Hall

The castle has a large Great Hall, created by Bishop Antony Bek in the early 14th century. It was the largest Great Hall in Britain until Bishop Richard Foxe shortened it at the end of the 15th century. However, it is still 14 m high and over 30 m long.

Photo 470, May 2011

Durham Castle

entrance to Bishop Bek's Great Hall

Photo 471, May 2011

Durham Castle

Photo 472, May 2011

Durham Castle

The keep

Photo 475, May 2011

Durham Castle

The keep

Photo 478, May 2011