Howden Bishop's Manor is a late 11th century fortified residence, founded by Bishop William de St Carilef. Which was rebuilt into a large stone palace by the powerful Bishops of Durham, with a complex range of buildings, inside an irregular walled courtyard. In the late 14th century, Bishop Skirlaw replaced an earlier aisled hall with the single storey great hall which is entered through a two storey, vaulted porch. The majority of the buildings were demolished in the late 16th century but part of the courtyard wall, the great hall, the 15th century brick and stone Cardinal Langley's southern gateway and two further medieval buildings survive. The hall was floored in the late 16th century, with further alterations in the 18th and early 19th century, it was restored in 1983-5. 12 miles south-west is Thorne Castle.