Durham Castle and Cathedral Overview
Durham Castle and Cathedral, seated high on a peninsula overlooking the River Wear, have been the first sight to greet visitors to this historic city for hundreds of years and were jointly designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. Construction on the castle began in 1072, just after the Norman Conquest, under the orders of William the Conqueror. From the 11th century onwards it was used as the seat of power of the Prince Bishops appointed by the British Crown to rule the Palatinate of Durham, the remote area of northern England vulnerable to attack from the Scots. In 1837, the last Prince Bishop, Bishop Van Mildert, helped found the University of Durham and donated the castle as its first home. It still houses students of University College, the oldest of the 14 university colleges, who live in the keep and dine in the wood-panelled Great Hall, containing portraits of the Prince Bishops. Across the lawned area, known as Palace Green, stands the Cathedral Church of Christ and Blessed Mary the Virgin, the best example of Norman-style architecture in England.
Contact Addresses Castle: Durham Castle, Palace Green, Durham DH1 3RW, UK Tel: (0191) 374 3863 Website: www.durhamcastle.com Cathedral: The Dean and Chapter of Durham Cathedral, The Chapter Office, The College, Durham DH1 3EH, UK Tel: (0191) 386 4266 Website: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk
Transportation Air: Newcastle Airport. Rail: Train: Durham Station. Road: Coach: Durham Bus Station. Car: A1 (to Junction 62), then A690 (from London, the Midlands, Scotland or Newcastle). Visitors should avoid driving in the city center where possible, as the streets are very narrow. The site is a short walk from the bus and train stations.
