Introduction. Medieval Bishops’ Houses in England and Wales

Durham Castle and Cathedral, as part of the medieval bishops' houses in England and Wales, offer significant insights into ecclesiastical architecture and governance. The study highlights that about half of English bishoprics were monasteries, with notable examples including Benedictine cathedrals at Durham, Canterbury, Rochester, Winchester, Worcester, Norwich, and Ely, alongside Augustinian ones like Carlisle. These sites are crucial for understanding the physical remains due to their rich historical documentation, which includes chronicles from monastic cathedrals and crown sources. Chronicles, particularly from the twelfth century, provide invaluable information about castle builders and bishops' roles in government, underscoring the importance of these sources in reconstructing the past.

Thompson, M. (2018). Introduction. Medieval Bishops’ Houses in England and Wales, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429450846-1