Courtyard of Durham Castle: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Durham_Castle_Innenhof.jpg Author: Jungpionier
Durham is the county town of County Durham, in North East England. The city has a population of 30,000 people (2012 estimate). It is near Newcastle upon Tyne, Chester-le-Street and Sunderland to the south and Darlington to the north.
Archaeological evidence indicates that the Durham area has been inhabited since 2,000 BC. According to local legend, the city was founded by divine intervention in AD 995. The bier carrying the remains of Saint Cuthbert came to a stop at a hill at Warden Law, and would not move. This was taken by the bishop of Chester-le-Street as a sign, and three days of fasting was ordered with prayers to the saint.
Saint Cuthbert then appeared to the monk Eadmer, giving him instructions to move his coffin to a place called Dun Holm. Eadmer did not know where Dun Holm was, but came across a milkmaid who was also looking for Dun Holm. They came to a site by the River Wear, where the city of Durham was eventually founded.
During the Industrial Revolution, Durham prospered from its coal fields. At one time, the entire surroundings of Durham was covered with coal mines. By the mid 20th century, the coal mining industry was in decline and has since disappeared.
Visiting Durham
The most relaxing way to reach Durham is by train. The East Coast Main Line trains connects Durham with London Kings Cross Station and York, England. That same train continues to Newcastle upon Tyne and Edinburgh.
If you are coming by road, take the A1(M) motorway to Junction 62, then head west on the A690 for Durham.
St Paul the Apostle Church, Hunwick, County Durham: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:St._Paul_the_Apostle_1844_,_Hunwick_-_geograph.org.uk_-_317328.jpg Author: Hugh Mortimer
Places of Interest in Durham
Durham Indoor Market: Victorian-era covered market still in operation today.
Durham Light Infantry Museum and Art Gallery: Small museum recounting the history of the Durham Light Infantry. Also housed here is a small art gallery.
Treasures of Saint Cuthbert: Located within the claustral buildings of Durham Cathedral are hundreds of ancient artifacts, including possibly the 7th century coffin of Saint Cuthbeth.
World Heritage Sites in Durham
Durham Castle and Cathedral Durham Castle was built in the 11th century following Norman Conquest. It is across from Durham Cathedral, which dates to the founding of the Bishopric in 995.
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