North wing of Durham Castle in north-east England. This north range of buildings was originally built in the 12th century by Bishop Pudsey, with gallery added in the 16th century by Bishop Tunstall.


Durham, County Durham, England: north wing of Durham Castle. The north wing was the site of a hall built by Bishop Le Puiset or Pudsey (1153 - 1195), but a number of alterations were made by successive bishops. The lower part of the facade is now hidden by a gallery constructed against it in the 16th century by Bishop Tunstall (Bishop from 1530 - 1559). Durham Castle, a Norman castle built under the orders of William the Conqueror, with construction begun in 1072, six years after the 1066 Norman invasion of England, was of strategic importance to defend the border with Scotland and to control local English rebellions. There was also the threat of invasion by the Danes. Initially castle construction was supervised by the Earl of Northumberland, until he rebelled and was executed in 1076. Thereafter the castle came under the control of the Bishop of Durham, Walcher, who purchased the earldom and thus became the first of the Prince-Bishops of Durham, a title that remained until the 19th century and was unique in England. The castle remained the bishop’s palace for the Bishop of Durham until Auckland Castle was made the bishops’ residence in 1832. Subsequently, Durham castle was donated to the University of Durham. The castle has been occupied continuously since the 11th century and is now home to the students of University College, part of Durham University.


Size: 4103px × 2730px
Location: Durham Castle, Durham, County Durham, England
Photo credit: © Terence Kerr / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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