Abbey House, Palace Green, Durham: an archaeological survey and documentary history of a Medieval Town House

Description/Abstract

A survey of Abbey House, Palace Green, Durham was conducted in an attempt to chronicle the phases of development in a town house which probably had its origins in the 12th century. This review of the property, although not a full structural survey, attempts to indicate those features visible in the town-house, which has undergone many changes throughout its life. Its location adjacent to the Cathedral implies an importance which is reflected in the changing styles of polite architecture. Some of these changes were evident during the survey, but others were either ambiguous or hidden beneath later feature or modifications. Perhaps more importantly the medieval origins still remain to some extent, even though relatively recent refurbishment has covered some of the vital evidence. Above all Abbey House perhaps characterises the often forgotten principle that all buildings should be regarded as entities, which reflect the mood and styles of the times.