Durham Castle Historical Facts and Pictures

Originally built in the 11^th century, The Norman fortress, Durham Castle has been occupied by the University College of Durham since 1840. Located in the opposite of Durham Cathedral, the castle overlooks the city of Durham from the top of a hill over the river Wear.

Durham Castle

Durham Castle Entrance

The construction of the castle initiated by William the Conqueror in 1072. Initially, the castle was built to control the English rebels and fend off the threat of Scottish and Danish invasions.

Durham Castle Pictures

Architecture and Structure

The castle is a typical representation of Norman motte and bailey structure.  The castle occupies a 14-meter high and over 30 meters long Great Hall, which was a 14^th century creation by the Bishop Antony Bek. Prior to the shortening of the hall in the later part of the 15^th century by Bishop Richard Foxe, it was the biggest Great Hall in Britain.

Castle Terrace

Durham Castle Great Hall

Entrance to Bishop Bek’s Great Hall

Interior of Durham Castle

The interior of the castle consists of oval rooms adorned with classical motif-designed ceiling cornices and wide paned windows.

Durham Cathedral and Castle

Durham Castle Images

The castle also occupies two chapels, the Norman chapel and the Tunstall’s chapel. Built around 1078 the Aglian architectural-styled Norman chapel is one of the oldest parts of the castle. The Tunstall’s chapel, built in 1540, is somewhat larger than the Norman chapel.

Durham Castle Norman Chapel

Durham Castle Tunstall’s Chapel

Great Hall of Durham Castle

The Durham Castle, along with the nearby Durham Cathedral, are jointly listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  This nearby Durham Cathedral has been featured in the famous Harry potter films as the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.