718-year-old medieval wall painting found at Durham Castle

The rare artwork was uncovered at Durham Castle in Durham City by archaeologists from Durham University, who believe it dates back to the late 13th or early 14th century.

The painting, believed to be around 700 to 750 years old, was found beneath layers of plaster and 1950s wall panelling.

Dr Andrew Ferrara, Department of Archaeology, Durham University, and Archaeology student and Nattakrit Wanthanom look at the section of medieval wall painting uncovered at Durham Castle. Credit: Durham Univers (Image: Durham University)

It features an outlined masonry design with a central flower and stem motif.

Andrew Ferrara, project lead and career development fellow in Durham University’s Department of Archaeology, said: "The uncovering of this fragment of medieval wall painting is an absolutely sensational discovery.

"It’s an incredibly rare survival in such an important castle site and really underscores the power and status of the medieval bishops of Durham."

– The fragment of medieval wall painting uncovered during renovations at Durham Castle. (Image: Dr Andrew Ferrara)

Experts from the university’s Departments of Archaeology and History, along with the Heritage 360 programme, believe the decorated wall confirms that this area of the castle—now known as the Senate Suite—was a high-status space during the medieval period.

Further research will be carried out to determine what the painting can reveal about the broader history of Durham Castle, once the seat of the influential Prince Bishops of Durham.

The investigation has also uncovered evidence of extensive redecoration and structural changes spanning almost 1,000 years.

Dr Andrew Ferrara, Department of Archaeology, Durham University holds an oyster shell. (Image: Durham University)

Durham Castle, founded in 1072, is part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with Durham Cathedral.

The castle currently houses Durham University’s University College, home to about 1,500 undergraduate and postgraduate students, some of whom live within the historic building.

During the renovation, several blocked openings—two of which are believed to be windows—were also identified.

These are thought to have been sealed in the 1540s when Bishop Cuthbert Tunstall converted the adjoining room into a chapel.

Dr Andrew Ferrara, Department of Archaeology, Durham University, and Archaeology students Nattakrit Wanthanom and Oriana Morris stand in front of the medieval wall painting revealed during renovations at Durham Castle (Image: Durham University)

An oyster shell was found embedded in the stone infill, possibly left by a 16th-century mason as a discarded snack.

The team also identified signs of historic subsidence, including a distinctive zigzag crack in the stonework.

This damage was likely caused by the north wall pulling away from the castle structure, creating a risk of collapse down the slope towards Moatside Lane.

Dr Andrew Ferrara, Department of Archaeology, Durham University, and Archaeology students Nattakrit Wanthanom and Oriana Morris look at an oyster shell (Image: Durham University)

To counter this, an angled buttress was added in the 13th or 14th century.

Professor Karen O’Brien, vice-chancellor and warden of Durham University, said: "Durham Castle has been a living space of learning and community for almost 1,000 years.

"To make a wonderful discovery such as this medieval painting on our own doorstep is further evidence of Durham’s very special history and heritage.

"Together with Durham Cathedral we are proud custodians of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

"We will continue to explore, safeguard and renew this historic site for future generations."

The project was led by the Durham Castle Research Group, with support from the university’s Heritage 360 network.

Research questions focused on the early development and use of this section of the castle and were developed in consultation with Durham County Council and Historic England.

Martin Lowe, Historic England’s inspector of historic buildings and areas for the North East and Yorkshire, said: "This is a beautiful and rare detail of Durham Castle, uncovered thanks to some very careful work.

"We look forward to seeing the findings of the research into this important discovery."

Students from the university’s Department of Archaeology contributed to the recording process, working alongside staff and members of the Estates and Facilities team.

Samples of plaster and mortar from different construction phases will undergo laboratory analysis, including luminescence dating, to better understand the timeline of the castle’s development.

The newly discovered artwork adds to other medieval paintings on the Durham World Heritage Site, including a similar, though older, design in the nave of Durham Cathedral and more extensive paintings in the Galilee Chapel.

Members of the public can learn more about recent archaeological discoveries at Durham Castle during the County Durham and Darlington Archaeological Day on Saturday, March 21.

The event will be held from 10.15am to 4.30pm at the Richard D Chambers FRS Lecture Theatre (CG85) in the Chemistry Department at Lower Mountjoy, Durham University.

More information and booking details can be found at the Durham University website.