Durham Castle

Durham Castle has been continuously occupied since its construction in 1072 under William the Conqueror's orders, marking the Norman establishment in northern England. Built by the Bishop of Durham, it served as both a military stronghold against Scottish and Danish invasions and as an episcopal palace showcasing the power of Durham's Prince-Bishops in medieval England. The fortress features typical Norman architecture with a motte, inner and outer baileys, and multiple ranges containing chapels, halls, and residential quarters developed over centuries. Today, the castle is home to University College, Durham, seamlessly blending medieval military architecture with academic use. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it exemplifies Norman engineering and remains a defining feature of Durham's landscape.