Durham Castle AKA Castle College AKA University College, Durham City (Durham City)
Durham City, Castle © DCC 2007
This is a listed building, thus protected by law.
Castle, which has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to changing circumstances during a period of continuous occupation since its foundation circa 1072. Its role has changed; from being a key fortress in the defence of the border with Scotland, it was gradually transformed in more peaceful times into an imposing and comfortable palace for the Bishops of Durham, and in 1832, it was handed over from the Bishop as the founding college of Durham University. Since 1837, it has served as a residential college. Construction of a castle at Durham was begun circa 1072 as a symbol of Norman power in the north and the re-establishment of William the Conqueror's regal authority followed the murder of William's earl in 1069 and the defeat of the Norman army who had occupied the town. It is likely that some fortifications were built early in the 11th century on the site of the present castle when the peninsula of Durham was occupied by the Community of St Cuthbert, although no firm evidence of the Saxon defences has yet been found. The earliest castle building, however, began circa 1072 by Waltheof, the new Earl of Northumberland. Following his murder in 1075 it was continued by Bishop Walcher and it remained the principal residence of the Bishops of Durham throughout the Medieval period. The outer defences of the castle embraced the whole of the peninsula including the cathedral and priory, but the main defences were placed along its vulnerable north boundary. The chronology of the early Norman castle is still subject to much debate and conjecture.
The castle in its earliest form withstood a siege by Malcolm of Scotland at the beginning of the 11th Century. In 1088, after a brief siege, the fortress was surrendered by Bishop William de St. Calais to William Rufus. During the Civil War the Castle was occupied by Scottish prisoners.
Recording of a wall of the Wine Cellar, Durham Castle 1996; Archaeological Services University of Durham
Watching brief at The West Courtyard, Durham Castle 2001; Archaeological Services University of Durham
Watching Brief in Durham Castle Kitchen, 2001; Archaeological Services University of Durham
Evaluation at St John's College, Durham University 2010; Northern Archaeological Associates
Archaeological Investigations at 3 North Bailey, Durham City, 2007-2008; Archaeological Services Durham University
Desk-Based Assessment for Durham DHS1 Heating Scheme, Durham City, 2008; Archaeological Services Durham University
Archaeological Monitoring at Castle Keep (University College), Durham City, 2008; Archaeological Services Durham University
Watching Brief at Palace Green, Durham City 1998; Archaeological Services University of Durham
Watching Brief at Master's House, University College, Durham 1999; Archaeological Services University of Durham
Archaeological Monitoring at Low Tower, Durham Castle 1994; Archaeological Services University of Durham
Watching Brief at Durham Castle Gatehouse 1996; Archaeological Services University of Durham
Evaluation for Lowe Library Extension, Durham University 1997; Archaeological Services University of Durham
Watching Brief at Fellows Garden, The Castle Durham City 1990 - 1991
Trial Trenching in the Durham Riverbank Gardens, Durham City 2001; Archaeological Services University of Durham
Salvage Recording at Durham Castle 1993; Archaeological Services University of Durham
Building Recording of the North Terrace of Durham Castle 1993; Archaeological Services University of Durham
Watching brief at the Middle Common Room, Durham Castle 2002; Archaeological Services University of Durham
Evaluation at the Fellows Garden, University College, The Castle, Durham City 1991; Northern Archaeological Associates
Disclaimer -
Please note that this information has been compiled from a number of different sources. Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council can accept no responsibility for any inaccuracy contained therein. If you wish to use/copy any of the images, please ensure that you read the Copyright information provided.