Octagonal keep of Durham Castle in north-east England, a Norman castle built under the orders of William the Conqueror to defend the border with Scotland and to control local English rebellions. The current keep was added in the 1300s, replacing an original Norman structure.
Durham, County Durham, England: octagonal keep of 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. Typical of Norman castles, Durham had a motte (mound) and an inner and outer bailey (fenced or walled area). On top of the motte is the keep or fortified tower, a typical Norman and medieval feature which acted as a defensive structure. The current keep at Durham was constructed in the 1300s, replacing an original Norman structure, and rebuilt in the 1840s as purpose-built student accommodation. Its octagonal shape avoided the blind spots of square keeps. Durham Castle 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: 4071px × 2708px
Location: Durham Castle, Durham, County Durham, England
Photo credit: © Terence Kerr / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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