Nestled high on the north wall of Durham Cathedral’s choir, Prior Castell’s Clock is an exquisite relic of medieval craftsmanship—and one of the most fascinating subjects I’ve had the pleasure of filming.

As part of a new promotional film for the cathedral, I’ve been discovering the story of this remarkable timepiece and the rich historical context in which it continues to chime. Commissioned around 1494 by Prior Thomas Castell, the clock originally featured painted angels and astronomical dials, reflecting both the spiritual symbolism and scientific curiosity of the time. Although much of the clock’s original mechanism has been replaced over the centuries, its painted canopy and distinctive turret—surmounted by a golden sun—still command attention. It’s a visual and historical anchor in a building that has endured for nearly a millennium.

In the 1650’s Scottish prisoners of war were held in Durham Cathedral. They burned everything made of wood to keep warm. Except this beautiful clock. Because it had a thistle on it.

Durham Cathedral itself is a masterpiece of Norman architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the late 11th century, it was designed to house the shrine of St Cuthbert and later became a center of pilgrimage, worship, and scholarship. Filming within this space is an experience of deep stillness and reverence—each echo in the nave, each shaft of light filtered through stone tracery, feels like a continuation of centuries of devotion and craftsmanship.


As a filmmaker and videographer based in Newcastle, I specialise in documenting arts and heritage projects across the North East. My approach is collaborative and considered—capturing not just the aesthetics of a place, but the stories, textures, and human connections that bring it to life. I’ve had the privilege of working with organisations including the BBC, Channel 4, Adobe, The Baltic, and Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, creating films for broadcast, online, and gallery installation.

Filming Prior Castell’s Clock offered a unique creative challenge: how to translate the stillness of stone and the whisper of time into something cinematic. Using minimal kit and natural light, I worked to reveal both the grandeur and the detail—letting the clock speak, in its own slow rhythm, of the passing of centuries.

This film, once complete, will form part of Durham Cathedral’s ongoing efforts to engage new audiences and share the depth of its heritage with the world. I’m honoured to contribute to that story.


— Alan Fentiman, Filmmaker & Videographer
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