Durham history

Foundation and Legend

The history of Durham dates back to 995 AD. The city was founded by a group of monks from the island of Lindisfarne, who were seeking a safe resting place for the relics of St Cuthbert while fleeing Viking raids. According to local lore, the location for the settlement was indicated to the monks by a lost cow, which formed the basis of the famous "Dun Cow" legend.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of a monastic settlement into a powerful medieval city was driven by a strategic combination of geography and politics:

• Geographical Defence: The historic city centre is located on a rocky peninsula surrounded on three sides by the River Wear. This natural landscape created ideal conditions for defence, turning the city into an impregnable fortress.
• The Prince-Bishops Institution: Following the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror granted local bishops unique powers. They received the status of Prince-Bishops, possessing the right to mint coins, levy taxes, and maintain an army to defend England's northern borders against the Scots.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The cultural core of early Durham formed around the construction of the majestic cathedral (begun in 1093) and the castle, which became masterpieces of Norman architecture. The city's economy flourished in the early centuries due to its status as a major pilgrimage site to the tomb of St Cuthbert and the relics of the Venerable Bede, attracting believers from across Britain.

Major Historical Milestones

• 995: Monks from Lindisfarne establish a settlement on the rocky peninsula, choosing it as the resting place for St Cuthbert's relics.
• 1072: By order of William the Conqueror, construction begins on Durham Castle to protect England's northern borders from the Scots.
• 1093: The foundation stone is laid for the majestic Durham Cathedral, becoming an outstanding example of Norman architecture.
• 1346: In the Battle of Neville's Cross, fought in the immediate vicinity of the city, English troops win a decisive victory over the Scottish army.
• 1539: During the Reformation, the monastery is dissolved, and the rich shrine of St Cuthbert is destroyed by order of King Henry VIII.
• 1650: Oliver Cromwell uses the cathedral as a temporary prison for thousands of Scottish prisoners after the Battle of Dunbar.
• 1832: Durham University is founded by an Act of Parliament, considered the third oldest university in England.
• 1836: The unique secular and military powers of the Prince-Bishops of Durham are officially transferred to the British Crown, ending the era of their semi-autonomous rule.
• 1844: The opening of a railway link connects the city with industrial centres and London, promoting economic development.
• 1871: The first Durham Miners' Gala takes place, establishing an annual tradition of honouring mineworkers.
• 1986: Durham Cathedral and Castle are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, receiving international recognition for their historical value.
• 2016: A major renovation of exhibition spaces in the Palace Green area is completed, opening access to unique university collections.

Development Stages and Their Significance

The evolution of Durham is a journey from an impregnable fortress and religious shrine to a modern university and cultural centre. Below are the key stages that defined the modern look and status of the city:

• Norman Urbanisation (11th–12th Centuries)
  The construction of the monumental cathedral and castle not only secured the city's status as the religious capital of the North but also shaped its unique urban structure. The development of the peninsula, surrounded by the river, determined the compactness of the historic centre and the preservation of the medieval street network to this day.
• The Era of Prince-Bishops (11th–19th Centuries)
  A special political status turned Durham into an administrative and military centre. This contributed to the accumulation of wealth in the city, the construction of stone bridges (such as Elvet and Framwellgate), and the strengthening of city walls, which stimulated the development of local trade and crafts under the protection of the church.
• Transformation into an Educational Centre (1832)
  The founding of Durham University was a turning point in the economy and culture. Transferring the bishop's castle to the university saved the historic building from decline and changed the city's demographics, turning it into an academic hub where students and academics became the foundation of urban life.
• Railway Revolution (Mid-19th Century)
  The construction of the impressive viaduct and the arrival of the railway connected the city to London and Edinburgh. This event brought Durham out of relative isolation, ensuring an influx of goods and travellers, while the viaduct became an integral part of the cityscape and an engineering monument of the Victorian era.
• Centre of the Coal Industry (19th–20th Centuries)
  Although the mines themselves were located primarily in the county, the city of Durham became the administrative and political "heart" of the coalfield. Trade unions and miners' associations were based here. The annual Miners' Gala formed a unique cultural identity for the city, based on working-class traditions.
• World Heritage Recognition (1986)
  The inclusion of the cathedral and castle on the UNESCO list marked a transition to a tourism economy. This event stimulated large-scale restoration works, the improvement of urban infrastructure to welcome guests, and the reorientation of businesses towards the service and hospitality sectors.
• Cultural Renaissance (21st Century)
  In recent decades, the city has actively developed event tourism and public spaces. The launch of the Lumiere Durham light festival and the redevelopment of the River Wear embankments have turned the city into a venue for contemporary art, harmoniously blended with ancient architecture.

Urban Structure and Landscape

The architectural appearance of Durham is dictated by its unique geography. The historic core of the city formed on a rocky peninsula surrounded by a loop of the River Wear. This natural defence determined the dense medieval development of the centre with narrow cobbled streets leading up to Palace Green, dominated by the city's two main symbols — the cathedral and the castle.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The city serves as a visual guide to the history of English architecture, where severe Norman fortifications and elegant Georgian mansions coexist harmoniously.

• Norman Style (Romanesque Architecture) | 11th–12th Centuries
  The foundation of Durham's architectural heritage. The style is characterised by massiveness, rounded arches, and powerful columns.
  Iconic Landmarks:
  • Durham Cathedral: A masterpiece of European Romanesque architecture. It was here that ribbed vaults were used on such a scale for the first time, anticipating the emergence of Gothic architecture.
  • Durham Castle: Originally built as a fortress to demonstrate Norman power in the north, it later became the palace of the Prince-Bishops.
• Gothic | 13th–15th Centuries
  The style that replaced the Romanesque added lightness and vertical aspiration. In Durham, Gothic is often integrated into earlier structures or represented by infrastructure objects.
  Iconic Landmarks:
  • Chapel of the Nine Altars: An eastern extension to the cathedral in the Early English Gothic style featuring a huge rose window.
  • Elvet and Framwellgate Bridges: Medieval stone bridges connecting the peninsula with the rest of the city.
• Georgian Style | 18th Century
  The period of the city's prosperity was reflected in the construction of brick townhouses with symmetrical facades and large windows. This style gave the streets of Durham a respectable and orderly appearance.
  Iconic Areas:
  • North Bailey and South Bailey: Streets lined with elegant Georgian houses, many of which now belong to university colleges.
  • Old Elvet: An area with beautifully preserved 18th-century buildings.
• Victorian Era and Industrial Style | 19th Century
  With the arrival of the railway and the development of the coal industry, large-scale engineering structures and red brick buildings appeared in the city.
  Iconic Landmarks:
  • Durham Viaduct: A grandiose arched structure towering over the city, a symbol of Victorian engineering.
  • Town Hall and Indoor Market: Examples of public architecture from the mid-19th century.
• Modernism and Brutalism | 20th Century
  The expansion of the university in the second half of the 20th century led to the appearance of modern concrete structures that contrast with the historical background.
  Iconic Landmarks:
  • Student Union Building (Dunelm House): A striking and controversial example of Brutalism on the banks of the River Wear, connected to the Kingsgate footbridge (designed by engineer Ove Arup).

Distinguished Figures of Durham

The history and modern life of Durham are inextricably linked with the names of saints, rulers, scholars, and artists. Here is a list of key figures who have left a significant mark on the city's chronicles.

Historical and Religious Figures

• St Cuthbert (c. 634–687)
  Patron Saint of Northumbria
  Although he lived before the city was founded, it was the transfer of his incorruptible relics by monks in 995 that led to the origin of Durham. The tomb of St Cuthbert in Durham Cathedral remained one of the most important pilgrimage sites in England for centuries.
• The Venerable Bede (672/673–735)
  Monk, theologian, and "Father of English History"
  Author of the fundamental work "Ecclesiastical History of the English People". His remains were moved to Durham Cathedral in the 11th century and rest in the Galilee Chapel. This makes the city the guardian of the legacy of one of the early Middle Ages' leading intellectuals.
• Hugh de Puiset (c. 1125–1195)
  Prince-Bishop of Durham
  One of the most influential and ambitious bishops in the city's history. He acquired the Earldom of Northumbria, combining ecclesiastical and secular power. It was under his tenure that the cathedral's famous Galilee Chapel and the stone Elvet Bridge, which still serves citizens today, were built.

Science, Culture, and Modernity

• Thomas Wright (1711–1786)
  Astronomer, mathematician, and architect
  A native of the county closely associated with the city. He was the first to suggest that the Milky Way is a disc of stars and described the shape of galaxies, ahead of his time. His works influenced the philosopher Immanuel Kant.
• Sir Ove Arup (1895–1988)
  Structural Engineer
  An outstanding 20th-century engineer whose name is associated with the Sydney Opera House. In Durham, he designed the Kingsgate footbridge and Dunelm House. Arup considered Kingsgate Bridge his finest work and even requested that his ashes be scattered from it.
• Bill Bryson (born 1951)
  Author and traveller
  The famous travel writer served as Chancellor of Durham University (2005–2011). Bryson has repeatedly called Durham "a perfect little city" and made a huge contribution to promoting its historical heritage internationally.
• Rowan Atkinson (born 1955)
  Actor, comedian, and screenwriter
  The world-famous creator of the Mr Bean character spent his school years in Durham, attending the prestigious Chorister School at the cathedral. This period shaped his early views and connections with the region.