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Close by the Cathedral is Durham Castle. King William the Conqueror ordered its construction in 1072, shortly after the Norman Conquest. Even today, the Castle still visually betrays its origins - a dramatic example
of a typical Norman motte and bailey fortification. The first purpose of the Castle was, undoubtedly, to help pacify the rebellious Saxon population of the North of England. During the early medieval period, however, it developed into a strategic bulwark in the defence of the border with Scotland.
As the threat from the Scots receded, the Castle evolved into an impressive yet comfortable palace for Durham's all-powerful Prince Bishops. Then, in
1837, it was handed over for the use of the newly-founded University of Durham. At first, the Castle contained the entire University. Soon, though, the
rapidly-expanding University needed more space. So finally, Durham Castle became University College, Durham - a residential community for generations of both dons and students.
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