News

The Queen's fifth visit to Durham Castle

(8 May 2002)

When the Queen takes lunch at Durham Castle on 8 May it will be her fifth visit to the Castle. She was there in November 1991 during a tour of County Durham and in March 1967, following the Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral. She also visited the Castle in May 1960, and came in October 1947 as Princess Elizabeth.

The Castle was founded in 1072 during the reign of William the Conqueror, and has received many royal visitors, including Edward I, Edward III, Henry VI, Queen Margaret Tudor of Scotland, James I, Charles I and James II. Most members of the present Royal Family have also visited the Castle.

Durham Castle was the administrative seat of the Prince Bishops of Durham who represented the Crown in the North of England for several centuries. It became part of the University in 1832, and then soon after the home to University College, the oldest of Durham University's 15 colleges and societies. Together with the Cathedral, the Castle is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, for its outstanding architectural and cultural importance.

The Castle is the country's oldest building used for student accommodation and houses about 110 of University College's 625 students. Outside term it is a major conference centre and popular base for tourists; it is used widely by the local community as a venue for wedding receptions, banquets and other functions.