Durham Castle plaster analysis

Project summary

This project will investigate historic plaster removed from the Senate Room at Durham Castle during archaeological works in 2025 to reconstruct the building’s decorative and architectural history. Using high-resolution X-ray computed tomography and thin-section petrography, the research will analyse the composition, manufacture and stratigraphy of plaster layers dating from the thirteenth to the eighteenth centuries. By integrating these scientific findings with archaeological evidence and historical records, the project will establish a more detailed chronology of decoration, repair and refurbishment within one of Durham Castle’s most significant interiors.

The findings will provide new insights into medieval and early modern decorative practices, the craftsmen and patrons who shaped the castle’s interiors, and the development of elite architecture in north-east England. The research will also inform new interpretation for visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, demonstrating how heritage science can reveal hidden histories within historic buildings while supporting education, public engagement and future conservation of Durham Castle.