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The city
of Durham developed in a great loop of the the River
Wear known as the Durham Penninsular.
The name
Durham derives from the Old English 'dun holm', meaning 'hill
island'.
Durham
is said to have been built on seven hills and at its most
prominent point above the River Wear stands the cathedral,
dominating the city's skyline.
Because
of its historical importance, the whole centre of Durham was
designated a Conservation Area in 1980. In 1986 Durham Cathedral
and Castle became jointly a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Although
the ancient settlement can be traced back to around 2000 BC,
the present city dates from 995 AD. In this year a group
of monks from the Holy Island of Lindisfarne settled on the
high penninsular with the body of St Cuthbert (that had previously
lain at Chester-le-Street) and established a church there.
Following
1066 the Normans chose Durham as a strategic location from
which to rule Northumbria and Durham Castle was completed
in 1072. The community of Cuthbert was replaced by Benedictine
monks and a prince bishop appointed by the king.
Durham
Cathedral, dating from 1093, provided a monumental shrine
to St Cuthbert. Considered to be the finest Norman archecture
in England, Durham Cathedral also contains the remains of
the Venerable Bede.
Durham
Castle, set behind the cathedral, not only gave protection
but also provided a palace for the prince bishops.
Durham
lies close to the Scottish border and in the first 300 years
after the castle was built the city was regularly besieged
by the Scots.
In medieval
times the city's strategic position near the border meant
that it developed as a major centre of political and ecclesiastical
power.
County
Durham was a palatine ruled by prince bishops who had secular
power and enjoyed considerable automony from Westminster.
The prince bishops acted as absolute rulers of the northern
province on behalf of the king and in return for their power
they were expected to levy an army, especially if there was
any threat from the Scots.
The
city's prosperity developed around the cathedral and the shrine
of St Cuthbert. One of the richest shrines in England, it
attracted pilgrims from all over the world.
Durham
became a flourishing market town. The prince bishops began
to decline in importance after Henry VIII had St Cuthbert's
shrine smashed in 1538 and they finally lost their powers
following the Great Reform Act of 1832. The last of the prince
bishops, Bishop van Mildert, relinquished his rights and also
his castle in 1836.
When
University College was established in Durham Castle in 1837
the Bishop of Durham's sole residence became nearby Auckland
Castle.
In the
19th century County Durham, at the heart of the vital coal
fields, developed as an important mining centre. Although
the mines have now all closed, the Miners' Gala, held on the
second Saturday in July, is still Durham's major social event.
The event for ex-miners, their families and friends includes
a special service at Durham Cathedral. Processions are lead
by colliery bands and mining villages' banners are proudly
displayed in the streets.
The compact
city is easy for visitors explore on foot. Downhill from
the castle and cathedral the medieval layout of the city can
still be made out in its narrow winding streets.
Durham
has a long association with markets that dates back to Saxon
and Norman times. For hundreds of years the cobbled Market
Place was the focal point for traders but by the beginning
of the 19th century it had become overcrowded , so in 1851
a new Market Hall was established on part of the site of the
medieval palace of New Place. Weekly markets were held here
until 1996 when the Victorian building was refurbished.
Now the
indoor Victorian Market, housing over 80 stalls, is open from
Monday to Saturday, with additional stalls in the Market Place
on Saturdays. Outdoor markets are also held in the Market
Place, including a popular monthly Farmers' Market.
Shopping
centres in the city include the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre
in the High Street and the Gates Shopping Centre in Framwellgate
Bridge on the north side of the River Wear.
The wooded
banks of the River Wear give Durham a picturesque beauty -
a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy a peaceful
stroll or take a trip on the river whenyou are visiting.
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Durham
