Durham Castle is a Norman castle in the city of Durham, England, on top of a hill above the River Wear on Durham's peninsula, across from Durham Cathedral. Construction of the Castle started in 1072 by William the Conqueror, six years after he conquered England. The Castle defenses encircled the whole of the Durham Peninsula. Durham Castle’s history is closely linked to that of the Prince-Bishops of Durham, whose special status made them among the most wealthy and powerful men in the country. They gradually turned the castle into a lavish palace, until it was transformed in the Victorian era into the home of University College, the precursor of Durham University. Since 1840 the castle has been fully occupied by the University College, Durham. It is open to the general public but only through guided tours. The castle is not only a working school but also a museum and the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Durham DH1 3RW, UK