The Norman Chapel at Durham Castle is the oldest standing building in Durham City.
Because of its architectural and historical significance, it is one of the most important spaces in Durham City. This has been recognised by its Grade I Listing, as well as its inclusion in the first inscription of the Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. It attracts visitors, academics, and pilgrims from across the world, who can research, enjoy and reflect in this impressive space.
Due to pre-existing environmental conditions, the condition of the Norman Chapel had deteriorated, and it became apparent in early 2013 that additional monitoring and investigations were needed.
The restoration is well underway
Work is now well underway on the first phase of the Norman Chapel Conservation Project. Visitors to Palace Green will be aware of the ongoing work, with contractors and building equipment on site since November 2022.
The most obvious sign of the work is the scaffolding bridge erected in the grounds of Durham Castle, to allow safe access to and from the North Terrace for the construction teams working on site.
We’ve taken advantage of the protective hoardings installed around the Castle to create an informative series of panels. The panels also allow us to communicate our leading role in the project and commitment to preserving the history and culture of the city by promoting other aspects of the World Heritage Site to visitors.
Exterior work
The earth boring activity to construct the piles for the retaining wall of the trench alongside the Norman Chapel was completed successfully in January. This meant work could begin on the excavation of the trench around the outside wall of the Chapel. It will be up to five metres deep and has already revealed the original exterior wall, buried for centuries. A retaining wall and ring beam have been installed to support the trench, so our archaeologists and stonemasons can work safely.
All work on the Norman Chapel and around the Castle is progressing under a strict archaeological watching brief to identify and assess any unexpected issues or archaeological finds that may come to light. For example, during excavation works on site, the original external terrace wall was uncovered. Our archaeologists believe this is medieval and may be as old as parts of the Castle. Archaeological Services are now investigating the history and purpose of this wall.
Excavation of the trench
Inside the Chapel
Specialist stone conservators have been busy inside the Chapel, carrying out essential work to allow the stone to dry out safely. This involves carefully removing old mortar used to repair the external walls over the centuries. The old mortar will be replaced temporarily, with new porous mortar, which will draw damaging salts and moisture from the walls. This will help with the drying out and prevent any further damage. The first drying out phase of the process is expected to take around five years. Once the walls are completely dried, the damage will be assessed, and next phase of the restoration work will begin on the long term conservation of the Chapel.
While specialists have been working inside the Chapel, they have also identified that the ceiling and an interior wall of the Chapel are holding moisture and contributing to the damp in the stonework. This unanticipated issue is currently being investigated and the best course of action agreed, to allow the interior of the Chapel to fully dry out.
Inside the Chapel
Factum Arte
We’re working in collaboration with Factum Arte, a team of artists, technicians and conservators dedicated to digital mediation, to document the Chapel as a cultural heritage site and develop new techniques of digital preservation and restoration. In January, a team from Factum Arte carried out the first stage of a complete 3D recording of the Chapel, using photogrammetry and a LiDAR scanner.
The aim of the 3D recording is to provide further insight into the questions that still surround the making and materials behind the 11th-century chapel and to help inform the restoration project by providing accurate surface and colour information. Having returned twice more to complete the scanning, Factum Arte are now assessing the information they have gathered and will be making recommendations on how to preserve the stonework for the future.
3D recording of one of the pillars
Next steps
Work on the stone will be paused during the exam period from early May to mid-June, so students living and studying in the castle are not disturbed.
The good news for visitors is that the Chapel will be re-opened over the summer as part of the Castle Guided Tour, until the next phase of work is due to begin. This will offer visitors the opportunity to see the work to date and to learn more about the plans for the Chapel.
Find out more
- Visit the Norman Chapel Restoration Project website
- Take a guided tour of Durham Castle
- Discover Durham's World Heritage Site
- Learn more about our collaboration with Factum Arte