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Durham
is situated in the North East of England on
the River Wear.
The river forms a loop around a rocky
peninsula containing the historic city centre
and the magnificent Cathedral and Castle.
The Cathedral and Castle combine to give the
City of Durham one of the most distinctive
skylines in the world. |
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The site was first chosen by monks in 995, looking
for a permanent resting place for the body of St.
Cuthbert, the 7th Century Bishop who lived on Holy
Island, off the coast of Northumberland. Following
the Norman conquest in the 11th Century, Durham
proved an ideal location from which to rule the
North of England. The high peninsula was chosen by
the Normans for the site of Durham Castle. Shortly
afterwards, the little church nearby, containing
the relics of St. Cuthbert, made way for Durham
Cathedral.
The architectural and historical importance of the
Cathedral and Castle is recognised by their
inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Work
on the Cathedral was begun in 1093 and completed
within forty years, a remarkable achievement,
considering the size and advanced construction.
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It is not only the
finest example of Norman architecture in the
world but also displays features of the later
Gothic period, such as rib-vaulting, which
were not introduced to the rest of Europe
until some thirty years later and
revolutionised the architecture of Europe.
Durham Cathedral continues to attract pilgrims
to the shrines of St. Cuthbert and the
Venerable Bede.
Church services are held every day and there
are regular concerts, exhibitions and other
events. Visitors can also see the Monks'
Dormitory, Tower, Treasury Museum and
Audio-visual presentations.
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Following the Norman conquest the Bishops of
Durham were given the power to rule the North of
England, using their own armies. They occupied
Durham Castle and were known as Prince Bishops.
The evidence of their power and influence can be
seen in additions to the Castle and alterations
which over the centuries transformed a
fortification into a lavish palace. By the 19th
Century, the power of the Bishops was no longer
appropriate. In 1837 Bishop Van Mildert moved to
nearby Auckland Castle and transferred Durham
Castle to the University of Durham which had been
founded five years earlier.
Durham Castle continues as
the heart of University College, and home to 80
students and staff. It is now one of twelve
colleges within the University. Durham, the third
oldest university in England, after Oxford and
Cambridge, is a leading centre for education and
research. The Castle is used for University
ceremonies, public events and, during the
vacations, as a venue for conferences, banquets
and holiday accommodation. Guided tours for
visitors are conducted by the students throughout
the year.
Durham's medieval layout is
still evident in the winding streets and vennels
beneath the cathedral and castle site. The city
has a modern shopping centre, but also offers a
haven of peace with pleasant walks along the
wooded river banks and the opportunity to take
boat trips on the River Wear. The University
Botanic Garden has trees and plants from all over
the world and is well worth a visit. The city is
well served with museums illustrating the county's
fascinating blend of Christian, social and
industrial heritage.
From Durham it is easy to
explore the Durham Dales, part of the North
Pennine Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These
dales offer some of the country's finest scenery -
a blend of rugged upland, impressive waterfalls,
gentle river valleys, wildflower meadows and
drystone walls. The heather moorland to the west
are pierced by the headstreams of the Derwent,
Tees and Wear. At High Force, the Tees falls
dramatically over massive boulders for 70 feet to
form the largest waterfall in England. The remote
and beautiful high Pennines offer panoramic views
from quiet moorland roads. The 19th Century lead
mining in Upper Weardale is brought to life at
Killhope Lead Mining centre.
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