Jewel of the North sound and light art installation

‘Jewel of the North’ is a new immersive light and sound experience, which has been permanently installed in Durham Castle’s Norman Chapel. It tells the story of the Norman Conquest, the Battle of Hastings, and the building of Durham Castle through cutting edge projection art and sound.

‘Jewel of the North’ brings to life original medieval imagery and carvings from the Norman Chapel, including the famous mermaid. Combining the original words of Anglo-Saxons and Normans themselves to tell their own stories. This exciting installation allows visitors to Durham Castle, to enter the world of early Norman England, its culture, voices, and music.

The installation reveals the stories and beliefs that shaped medieval Durham. It brings together chronicles of the Norman Conquest, prayers from Anglo-Saxon and Norman traditions, medieval poetry, music, saints' lives and one of the earliest descriptions of Durham Castle and its chapel.

While watching the installation, visitors encounter the writings of Durham monk Symeon and Lawrence of Durham, accounts of the Norman dukes, echoes of the Song of Roland, medieval bestiaries (illustrated manuscripts depicting real and imaginary animals), and sacred chants that once resonated across Norman Europe.

Artwork

'Jewel of the North' has been created by award-winning sound and light artists Ross Ashton and Karen Monid (The Projection Studio) in collaboration with experts at Durham University. The voices and music featured in the installation are performed by academics and students at the University.

Bringing academic research to life

The ‘Jewel of the North’ project was led by Professor Giles Gasper, Professor of High Medieval Studies in the Department of History, and Dr Gillian Rennie, Curator of Durham Castle and its collections.

Professor Gasper: explains; “Durham plays an important part in England’s Norman past, with the establishment of the Castle and Cathedral. The Castle’s Norman Chapel dates from the 1070s to 1080s, not long after William the Conqueror’s 1066 invasion of England and remains one of the best-preserved Norman landscapes in the UK. By drawing together history, scholarship and creativity, ‘Jewel of the North’ offers a fresh way to explore this past, revealing how a remarkable chapel can illuminate a much wider story of conquest, faith and community.”

Gillian Rennie, Curator (Castles and Colleges) said: “‘Jewel of the North’ invites visitors to step beyond the Castle’s stone walls and discover the people, events and traditions that shaped medieval Durham following the Norman conquest. It will connect today's audiences with stories and voices that have been rarely heard for centuries.”

Experience 'Jewel of the North'

Visitors to Durham Castle, can see and experience ‘Jewel of the North’ bring nearly 1,000 year of history to life, as part of a guided tours of the Castle. Tours can be booked online  or in person at Palace Green Library next to the Castle

‘Jewel of the North’ is supported by Durham's Castle Research Group, Heritage 360. The Castle is home to Durham University’s University College.