Standing proudly beside Durham Cathedral, perched high above the winding River Wear, Durham Castle is one of England’s most remarkable and historically significant buildings. A testament to nearly a millennium of political power, ecclesiastical authority, and educational tradition, the castle forms part of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to thrive today as a living, working college of Durham University.
A visit to Durham Castle is a journey through English history—from the Norman conquest to the modern day. It is a rare example of a continuously inhabited Norman castle, and its stones have borne witness to kings, bishops, battles, and scholars.
Origins: A Fortress for the North
Durham Castle was built by the Normans shortly after their conquest of England in 1066. Construction began in 1072, under the orders of William the Conqueror, who needed to establish control over the rebellious North. The location was strategic—set on a rocky promontory within a tight loop of the River Wear, making it naturally defensible. It also lay near the site of the shrine of St Cuthbert, a symbol of both religious power and regional identity.
The first structure was a typical motte-and-bailey castle: an earth mound topped with a timber keep and a surrounding enclosure. Over time, timber was replaced by stone, and the castle evolved into a formidable stronghold. Its presence helped secure Norman dominance in the north and demonstrated the Crown’s authority in a region often resistant to outside rule.
The Prince-Bishops of Durham
What makes Durham Castle truly unique is its connection to the Prince-Bishops—a succession of powerful clerics who held both religious and secular authority in the region. From the 11th to the 19th century, these bishops governed the County Palatine of Durham with near-royal powers. They could raise armies, mint coins, levy taxes, and administer justice—functions normally reserved for the monarch.
Durham Castle was their residence and administrative centre. Over centuries, it was expanded and embellished to reflect their growing wealth and influence. Grand halls, private chapels, and defensive towers were added, turning the original fortress into a complex blend of military and palatial architecture.
Some of the most notable Prince-Bishops left their mark on the building:
- Bishop Flambard (1099–1128): Added the Norman Chapel, the oldest surviving part of the castle.
- Bishop Hatfield (1345–1381): Built the Great Hall, one of the finest examples of medieval domestic architecture.
- Bishop Tunstall (1530–1559): Rebuilt the chapel in Renaissance style and introduced humanist learning.
- Bishop Van Mildert (1826–1836): The last Prince-Bishop, who helped found Durham University, gifting the castle to the new institution in 1837.
Architecture and Highlights
The Norman Chapel
Dating from around 1080, the Norman Chapel is the oldest accessible room in the castle and one of the oldest surviving Norman chapels in England. Built of sandstone with rounded arches and thick columns, its austere design reflects the piety and power of its early builders. Carvings of stylised faces and animals hint at the blend of Christian and folk influences of the time.
The Great Hall
Built under Bishop Hatfield in the 14th century, the Great Hall is an enormous space used historically for banquets, gatherings, and later, college meals. At over 14 metres high and 30 metres long, it’s one of the largest medieval halls in the country. Today, it still functions as a dining hall for University College, continuing the tradition of communal meals under ancient timber beams.
The Black Staircase
An ornate and theatrical addition to the castle, the Black Staircase was installed during the 17th century in an effort to modernise the castle into a fashionable residence. Its elaborate wooden carvings, balustrades, and sweeping steps provide a stark contrast to the fortress-like austerity of earlier sections.
The Keep
Originally built as a defensive stronghold, the Keep underwent several reconstructions. In the 19th century, it was rebuilt in a neo-Norman style by Durham University and now houses student accommodation. Though not medieval in its current form, it maintains the castle’s imposing silhouette and is a reminder of its military origins.
Durham Castle and Durham University
In 1832, the foundation of Durham University brought a new chapter to the castle’s long history. Bishop William Van Mildert, the final Prince-Bishop, offered the castle to house the university’s first college—University College, Durham, often affectionately known as “Castle.”
Since 1837, the castle has served as a residential college, meaning that students live, study, and eat within its historic walls. The Great Hall functions as their dining room, and some students are lucky enough to live in rooms that date back to the medieval and Tudor periods. Despite the age of the building, it remains a fully functioning, vibrant academic environment.
The university’s stewardship has helped to preserve and conserve the building while also giving it renewed purpose. It remains one of the few castles in the world where you can study and live—bringing together the past and present in a uniquely intimate way.
Visiting Durham Castle
Because Durham Castle is still a living college, access for visitors is by guided tour only. These tours, led by knowledgeable student guides, offer a fascinating glimpse into the building’s layered history and daily life.
Visitors can expect to see:
- The Norman Chapel
- The Great Hall
- The Black Staircase
- Student common areas and historic rooms
- Parts of the courtyard, battlements, and defensive structures
Tours are informative, engaging, and enriched with anecdotes that bring both medieval drama and modern university life to life. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly during term time and tourist seasons.
Durham Castle as a World Heritage Site
Along with Durham Cathedral, the castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. Together, they represent a remarkable example of the Norman vision of combining religious and military power. Their positioning, architecture, and historical significance make them an exceptional cultural landscape.
The World Heritage designation helps to ensure the preservation of the castle for future generations and recognizes its value not only to England but to the world.
Events and Educational Use
Beyond its daily role in university life, Durham Castle is also used for:
- Academic conferences
- Weddings and receptions
- Historical lectures and public events
- Art exhibitions and concerts (particularly in the Great Hall)
It is a dynamic site that bridges the academic, cultural, and public spheres of Durham.
Conclusion: A Castle Like No Other
Durham Castle is more than a relic of the past—it is a living monument, continually adapting to the needs of each generation. From its roots as a Norman fortress securing the north for William the Conqueror, through its opulent life as the palace of the powerful Prince-Bishops, to its modern role as a university college, the castle remains central to the identity of Durham.
Its enduring use and careful preservation make it one of Britain’s most fascinating historic buildings. Whether you’re a lover of medieval history, architecture, education, or simply looking to experience one of England’s hidden gems, Durham Castle offers a unique and unforgettable glimpse into a thousand years of continuity, change, and tradition.
