BISHOPTON CASTLE

County Durham

Many places in County Durham carry the name "Bishop", this normally means a connection with the all-powerful Prince Bishop's and Bishopton is no exception; the lands here were owned by the Prince Bishop's until Bishop Ranulf Flambard granted them to Roger de Conyers in the 1120s.

de Conyers most likely built the Castle, which is on a grand scale, with one of England's largest mottes (12 metres tall, and very wide).  In 1143 a licence to crenellate was granted to de Conyers, although the Castle probably pre-dates this, as it seems to be the time when the bailey was reduced in size.  In 1143 the Castle was besieged by William Comyn who usurped the Bishopric of Durham.  In 1144 Comyn surrendered Durham Castle to de Conyers and for some obscure reason received Bishopton Castle in return.

Comyn held it only briefly before it was returned to de Conyers, but he too soon abandoned it in favour of Sockburn Hall by the Tees.

The large motte and bailey, which was never rebuilt in stone, is in good condition and is on public land.

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2001