The Prince-Bishopric of Durham was a unique ecclesiastical territory in England, established in the 11th century. It combined both spiritual and temporal authority, with the Bishop of Durham acting as a prince, governing the region on behalf of the monarchy. This arrangement allowed the bishop to wield significant power, including the ability to raise taxes and maintain an army. The Prince-Bishopric was centered around the city of Durham, which housed the impressive Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle. This dual role of the bishop contributed to the region's political stability and economic development until the 19th century, when the powers of the bishopric were gradually diminished.