Durham
Durham is a northern English city (250 miles N of London; 15 miles S of Newcastle) that retains a medieval feel. The historic city center, centered around the castle and cathedral, is perched on a hilly peninsula surrounded by the winding River Wear.
The city of Durham took root when construction on a grand cathedral began in 1093 after the Norman Conquest. The cathedral was built in part to shelter the remains of St. Cuthbert, a beloved monk of Lindisfarne, and in part to provide a fortress against the neighboring Scots. Durham was a major center of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages and many miracles were attributed to Cuthbert.
Cuthbert's shrine is still the central focus of the Norman-style Durham Cathedral, which also houses the tomb of the Venerable Bede. Durham is home to a major university, which is the third oldest in England after Oxford and Cambridge. The quiet medieval city of Durham can be explored comfortably in a day and is easily accessible by rail and road.
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Durham Cathedral
Built 1093-1133, this is considered one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in England. It is home to the Shrine of St. Cuthbert and the tomb of the Venerable Bede. |
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Durham Castle
Built by William the Conquerer, this fortress was the home of the Prince-Bishops of Durham for centuries. It contains two chapels, one of which dates from 1080. |
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Churches of Durham
In addition to the renowned cathedral, Durham is home to several historic parish churches. Here's a brief overview of some that might be worth a visit. |
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Oriental Museum
This university museum is the only one in the UK entirely dedicated to Oriental art (including Egypt and the Middle East). This is a great place to see Buddhas and other religious objects. |
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Nicholas Thompson); 11th-century crypt in Durham Castle.
