2-982-576 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Minstrels' Niche in the Dining-hall of Durham Castle, 1858. Our Engraving (from a drawing by Cuthbert Bede) represents one of the two minstrel galleries-or rather niches-in the noble dining- hall of Durham Castle, now University College. They project from the wall on each side, at the lower end of the hall, and were constructed by Bishop Fox, in 1499...[In 1503] Bishop Fox entertained here the Princess Margaret, daughter of Henry VII., on her progress to Scotland to espouse the Scottish King, all the nobility and people of distinction being invited to meet her. Before this (in 1448) Henry VI. made a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Cuthbert, and had been feasted in the hall. And here, in 1663, Bishop Morton entertained Charles I. and a numerous retinue for many days, at a cost of £1500 a day. Right Royal feasting in a right Royal hall!'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.