Home to the bishops of Durham for 750 years, this impressive structure was designated as part of Durham's World Heritage site in 1986, along with Durham Cathedral.

Durham Castle, no longer the fortress needed as a border defence, nor the comfortable residence of bishops, is today a place of learning and recreation. Durham University was founded in 1832, only the third in Britain, and in 1837 the castle was handed over by Bishop Van Mildert for use as a college. Since that time, students have continued to live and study in this historic environment, and take great pride in conducting their regular guided tours for visitors.

Despite its evolving role throughout some 900 years, Durham Castle still dominates the banks of the River Wear, and makes a striking companion for Durham Cathedral. First conceived as a traditional motte and bailey castle, Durham's extensive alterations over time have incorporated much of the original structural remains, and the actual layout has seen surprisingly few changes. What has been created by the continual improvements, and often essential repairs to the building, is an interesting interpretation of the changing architectural styles.

Building of the castle began in 1072, supervised by the Earl of Northumberland, but shortly after the Norman Conquest, King William decreed that the Bishop of Durham should become the custodian. With each successive bishop, the castle was 'refreshed' with a programme of building works to accommodate the specific needs of the time. The transformation from military stronghold to convenient, residential palace for bishops was gradual, but by the end of the 17th century Durham Castle had become a wonderful status symbol of religious power and wealth.

There are two chapels at Durham Castle: the early Norman chapel, which has some superb carved capitals remaining on the columns; and the 16th century Tunstal's Chapel, taking it's name from the Bishop who had it built. The Norman chapel soon went out of use but, after 400 years of lying dormant, this beautiful room was re-consecrated as a place of worship in 1952. Together with the undercroft to the Great Hall, these areas form the oldest part of the castle and are provide some good examples of basic, bold Norman architecture.

It is quite amazing to see the Great Hall now used as the college dining room during term time, but successfully utilised for private functions (including wedding receptions) when students are on vacation. Perhaps even more astounding is the vast kitchen where, notwithstanding a definite sense of the medieval, all meals for the present day university are still prepared.

The Keep is the newest building in the castle complex, having been entirely reconstructed in the 19th century to accommodate students and teachers of the new University.

Durham Castle can boast a royal visitors' list going back over six centuries, and our current monarch has been entertained to lunch in the Great Hall on three occasions. However, present day guests are much more likely to be conference delegates or wedding parties, demonstrating how this ancient building continues to adapt to the circumstances of the time.

Although it is only possible to view parts of Durham Castle by guided tour, do not miss the opportunity to do so. Our own experience gave us a very lively and enthusiastic insight, not only to the history of the castle, but also to some of the lesser known antics of its past residents!