Visitors to Durham Castle can step back nearly 1,000 years thanks to a new immersive light and sound installation in one of England's oldest Norman buildings.
'Jewel of the North' transforms the Castle's historic Grade I listed Norman Chapel through cutting-edge projection art and sound, including music and storytelling.
The artwork is a permanent installation in Durham Castle's Norman Chapel - one of the oldest surviving Norman stone buildings in England.
The experience forms part of the public tours of Durham Castle, which is home to University College.
Durham a key part of England's Norman story
'Jewel of the North' explores the dramatic years following the Norman Conquest and reveals how Durham became a key part of England's Norman story.
Using the original words of Anglo-Saxons and Normans, the experience recreates the voices, beliefs and culture of medieval England.
Visitors are taken from the aftermath of the Battle of Hastings to the construction of Durham Castle, discovering the people, events and traditions that shaped medieval Durham.
The installation makes innovative use of the chapel's architecture with projections illuminating centuries-old carvings, including the chapel's famous mermaid.
Ancient prayers, poetry, chronicles and music fill the space, helping visitors experience the sights and sounds of Norman England.
Created by artists and our University community
Created by award-winning artists Ross Ashton and Karen Monid of The Projection Studio, 'Jewel of the North' was developed in collaboration with our historians, heritage specialists, academics and students.
The voices and music featured throughout the installation are performed by members of our University community.
One of the UK's best-preserved Norman landscapes
The Norman Chapel dates from the 1070s and 1080s, shortly after William the Conqueror's invasion of England.
The installation highlights Durham's place within one of the UK's best-preserved Norman landscapes and shows how the chapel can help tell a much wider story of conquest, faith and community.
'Jewel of the North' also forms part of a wider programme of activities exploring Norman heritage.
It will contribute to the 2027 Year of the Normans celebrations, marking 1,000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror, while paving the way for future exhibitions examining daily life in Norman Durham.
