ir final choice of a resting-place for the bones of
their beloved saint. The almost impregnable position of the rocky
promontory upon which both Cathedral and Castle stand suggests a careful
selection on their part, with a view to the prevention of attack and
consequent further disturbance of their sacred relics. What the first
fortification was is a matter of doubt; most probably it was merely a
wall or rampart of earth, with a large artificial mound at the weakest
point. This seems to have been the usual practice at an early date at
many other places in England, and in some cases their date is known and
corresponds to the time at which Durham was probably first fortified.
Whatever the earliest protections were, we know that in 1072 William the
Conqueror, on his way from Scotland, passed through Durham. He quickly
perceived the natural advantages and strength of the position, and gave
orders for the erection of a castle. This was at once set about, during
the episcopacy of Bishop Walcher, and continued under Carileph and
Flambard. Of this building, which might be styled "The Conqueror's
Castle," not much remains. The most important is the #Chapel# or
Crypt, which belongs, no doubt, to the earlier part of the period named
(1080 to 1096). In plan the chapel has a nave and two aisles. The roof
is vaulted, the ribs being plain, semi-circular, and square recessed,
and is supported by six circular columns. The capitals of these columns
are a somewhat interesting feature, owing to their Lombardic character.
The abaci are square and moulded, while the caps proper carry at their
angles rudely carved volutes such as occur in the White Tower, London.
Each capital is also carved differently with curious and rude devices.
Of the three windows which terminated the nave and aisle at the east
end, one has been destroyed to make way for a staircase and the other
two are built up. The original windows of the chapel were very narrow
and widely splayed. In the walls are an aumbrey and the remains of two
altars.

[Illustration: The Chapel or Crypt, Durham Castle.]

Other remains of this date are somewhat scattered. Two windows in the
undercroft of Bishop Bek's, or what is now known as #Bishop Hatfield's
Hall#, are examples. They have converging jambs, the semi-circular
heads being cut from one stone and the inside very widely splayed. The
wall from the keep to the chapel, and that from the keep to the gateway
are also Norman work, as are