Durham Castle

Question 1

When was Durham Castle originally built?

Answer 1

1072

Question 2

Why was Durham Castle built?

Answer 2

To defend Northern England from the scottish and to control the local population. Designed to be a symbol of Norman power and authority.

Question 3

Who built Durham Castle?

Answer 3

The Normans

Question 4

What style of castle was Durham Castle?

Answer 4

Motte and Bailey (typical of the time)

Question 5

What did the fortress of Durham Castle transform into?

Answer 5

A ceremonial place and living accommodation for the Prince Bishops

Question 6

Which Bishop built the Black Stairs?

Answer 6

Bishop Cosin

Question 7

Who built the Tunstall gallery and the Tunstall chapel?

Answer 7

Bishop Tunstall

Question 8

Three current/recent functions of Durham Castle?

Answer 8

Wedding Venue, Student Accommodation and Museum

Question 9

How long was the Norman Period?

Answer 9

1066-1150

Question 10

What was the palisade?

Answer 10

Strong fence made of solid timbers driven deep into the ground

Question 11

What was the bailey?

Answer 11

An enclosure below the motte, protected by palisade and outer defences, enclosed the stables and barracks for the troops. During attacks local people and livestock could take shelter here.

Question 12

What was the keep?

Answer 12

A strong wooden tower, elevated lookout point, elevated attack position for archers to defend whole of castle area. Final point of defence through attack.

Question 13

What was the gatehouse?

Answer 13

Allowed entrance to the castle. Sometimes a drawbridge over a ditch/moat could be pulled up to defend the gatehouse from attack.

Question 14

What was the motte?

Answer 14

A large mound of earth typically 5-7 metres high. Made of earth so fire proof.

Question 15

What was a ditch?

Answer 15

A ditch was cut to surround the bailey and motte. Sometimes would be filled with water, protecting the palisade.

Question 16

What is the only remaining feature left from the 11th century?

Answer 16

The motte.

Question 17

What were the castles a symbol of?

Answer 17

They were a symbol of Norman strength and demonstrated military power of the Norman army.

Question 18

What was implemented during construction that the public disliked?

Answer 18

Taxes were implemented to pay for construction.

Question 19

What happened to Robert De Comine and his 700 men?

Answer 19

In 1069 they were ambushed and murdered in Durham

Question 20

What was the ‘harrying of the north’ ?

Answer 20

To repress northern resistance william implemented a campaign that lasted 2 years. Villages and food stores were destroyed, livestock slaughtered and crops laid to waste. Estimated 100,000 people were killed or died of famine.

Question 21

What happened to Waltheof, Earl of Northumbria?

Answer 21

During construction he was tasked with building the castle but rebelled and was later executed.

Question 22

What were the Prince Bishops?

Answer 22

Bishops in Durham who were granted extra powers in return for their loyalty in order to further control the north. Effectively a state within a state.

Question 23

What were prince bishops able to do?

Answer 23

Able to levy taxes, mint their own coins, have their own courts, raise an army and had responsibility to protect the North.

Question 24

Why was the Norman chapel built?

Answer 24

Built during 1080’s as a private place of worship for the prince bishops. Includes elaborate carvings at the top of pillars and first ever depiction of a mermaid in the world. Oldest building in durham and made of stone. Included a sallyport which would enable safe escape if the castle was under siege.

Question 25

What was the great hall used for?

Answer 25

Kitchens located beneath for entertaining guests and feeding hungry troops.

Question 26

What was the purpose of the norman archway?

Answer 26

Used as entrance to the North Hall. Highly decorative so show skills of craftsmen and wealth of prince bishop.

Question 27

Similarities to alniwck and bamburgh castle?

Answer 27

All built on river banks/coastlines - great natural defence
Higher grounds - great natural defence
Norman architecture

Question 28

Features of Alnwick castle?

Answer 28

Norman motte and bailey castle built to control northumberland. Use of landscape for natural defences - River Aln, higher grounds, bailey with an outer ditch a motte and a keep. Built in 1096 on disputed land between England and scotland. Keep converted to stone in 12th century includes a norman archway and a characteristic chevron.

Question 29

Key features of bamburgh castle?

Answer 29

A defensive fortress has existed at the site since the bronze age due to excellent natural defences on the rocky plateau, great view out to sea. Normans took control of the site in 1095. Crucial in dealing with scottish threat and is one of the most northerly outpost of the english rule. Evidence of a chapel from 12th century but is in ruins. Two large halls for entertainment and extravagant meals.

Question 30

How did Durham castle change in the tudor period