Durham
Durham is located 20 miles from Newcastle along the A1(M) or a 20 minute train journey from Newcastle Central Station. The city of Durham is one of the most beautiful places you could ever have the good fortune to visit. Important for many reasons, historical, geographical and religious, Durham has a long history stretching back to well before the Norman Conquest.
Sitting on a peninsula on the River Wear, this was a place easily defended, and was a Christian settlement well before the 7th Century AD. In religious terms its significance lies with it being the final resting place of St Cuthbert, a great holy man of the north east of England, who lived on Lindisfarne (locally known as ‘Holy Island’) off the coast of Northumberland. He ended his days as a hermit on the Farne Islands, and his body was moved later when the Danes invaded. His monks carried him to Durham, where he lies still, in a shrine behind the High Altar in Durham Cathedral. The presence of the saint’s body encouraged the community to grow and build a stone church, and then the mighty Norman Cathedral we see today.
Co. Durham is also known as ’The land of the Prince Bishops’ indicating the importance of this bishopric to the Crown. It was an important centre of ecclesiastical and political power in medieval times.
The city itself is an impressive sight from any angle, including the approach by rail. It has lovely winding (and steep) streets with interesting small shops, as well as a modern retail centre. It is dominated, however, by the cathedral and the castle, which houses the University of Durham. The cathedral and castle have been given World Heritage status, and the city is a major place of interest for tourists.
Unsurprisingly, the service industries employ about 70% of all workers. The city’s population is about 89,000.
Durham City is on the main Northeast rail route from London to Edinburgh, and as such is easy to reach. Visitors can see much more than described here, including regimental museums and a large indoor market.
Durham Castle
Durham Castle is a fine a example of a working castle, home to part of the University of Durham and 100 students. This world heritage site and is a grade 1 listed building which began life in 1072 as a defensive mound under the instructions of William the Conqueror. Home to the Bishops of Durham for many centuries, the castle rooms have been modified and extended to meet there needs throughout it's life.
Tours around the castle are available in the afternoons during term time and during the mornings while students are on holiday. The Castle is available for wedding receptions, banquets and conferences (telephone Event Durham, 0800-28-99-70).
