Castles by the cathedral

Durham Castle and Cathedral present a unique historical anomaly, where the bishop's fortified residence was initially separated from his cathedral, the center of his authority. This separation was later addressed by Bishop Flambard, who cleared surrounding houses to create an open space between the castle and cathedral. A notable feature of Durham Castle is its twelfth-century description in a poem by Prior Laurence, a rare document for any English castle. The study also highlights the historical context of Remigius, who arrived with William the Conqueror in 1066, and Bishop Bloet's construction of a gate around 1110, possibly to control an exit from the castle. This research sheds light on the complex relationship between ecclesiastical authority and military fortification during the medieval period.

Thompson, M. (2018). Castles by the cathedral. Medieval Bishops’ Houses in England and Wales, 14–28. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429450846-2