Durham Castle
Durham Castle can be referred to as a castle of the Norman era located in city of Durham. It has been completely occupied by ‘University College’, Durham since 1840. It stands on a hilltop over the River Wear on the peninsula of Durham, opposite the Durham Cathedral.
History
The origin of Durham Castle traces to the 11th century. It had been built to project the power of the Norman King in the northern part of England. The projection was needed to exercise a control over the fickle and wild Northern English population after the disorder of Norman Conquest, which had taken place in 1066. Durham castle exemplifies the early bailey and motte castles preferred by Normans. The appointment of holder of Bishop of Durham’s office was done by King for exercising royal authority. This exercise had to be carried out on King’s behalf.
It continued to be the ‘Bishop’s Palace’ till their shifting of base to ‘Bishop Auckland’. Thereafter, this castle got converted to college. It has the ‘Great Hall’. Bishop Antony Bek had created it in the 14th century. The Great hall was believed to be Britain’s largest hall till its shortening by Bishop Richard Foxe in the 15th century. Its present height is 14 meters and length 30 meters.
University College
In 1837, Bishop Edward Maltby donated the castle to the then formed ‘University of Durham’. The purpose of this donation was providing housing to the students. ‘University College’ was the name given to it. The decrepit keep was rebuilt by the architect ‘Anthony Salvin’. The original plan was referred for this purpose. The college was opened in 1840. As of now, around 100 students can be accommodated in it. Staff and students have their meals in the ‘Great Hall’. Its Undercroft, meanwhile, acts as the ‘Junior Common Room’. The 2 chapels have still been in use, both-for theatrical performances and other services. Other facilities are inclusive of library, IT suite, and offices. Public access is confined to tours. Other than these, only college members and guests are permitted to visit the Durham castle.
Chapels
The college is making an extensive use of chapels. These two chapels are Tunstall’s Chapel (1540) and Norman Chapel (1078). The ‘Norman Chapel’ is castle’s most ancient accessible part. It has an Anglian architecture, owing to forcible use of Anglian labor in its building. In 15th century, all its three windows had to be kept blocked, due to the long-drawn-out keep. However, in 1841, it began to be used as a corridor to have an access to keep. At the time of World War II, when recognition was obtained for its actual use, it began to be used as observation and command post for ‘The Royal Air Force’. The re-consecration took place after that war. It is still being used by college for week-based services.
‘Tunstall’s Chapel’ is used more heavily. It is a bit larger than the Norman Chapel is. It was extended in the 17th century by Bishop Crewe and Bishop Cosin. The chapel’s back has some seats, known as ‘16th century misericords’.