All the UK Towns and Cities
Search over 60 thousand pages of pub history and London history by surname, street name or pub.
Durham is a city. It is located in the northeast of England, in the ceremonial county of County Durham. Durham is known for its iconic Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city has a rich history and is home to Durham University, one of the oldest universities in the UK. Durham was granted city status by royal charter in 1093 by King William II.
Durham is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom, Durham University. Founded in 1832, Durham University is a collegiate public research university with a strong reputation for academic excellence, particularly in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and sciences.
Durham University is made up of multiple colleges, each with its own distinct identity and facilities. The university's main campus is situated in the historic city of Durham, with some departments and colleges located in nearby Stockton-on-Tees.
Durham University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as research opportunities across various disciplines. The university is known for its beautiful campus, including the iconic Durham Castle and Cathedral, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Overall, Durham University is a renowned institution with a long history of academic achievement and a strong presence in the city of Durham.
Durham is home to Durham Cathedral, a magnificent and historic building that is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Durham Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the world.
The cathedral was founded in 1093 and is known for its stunning Romanesque design, including the massive stone pillars, intricate carvings, and beautiful stained glass windows. The cathedral houses the Shrine of Saint Cuthbert, the tomb of the Venerable Bede, and the remains of the medieval monastic church.
Durham Cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a significant cultural and historical site, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to admire its architectural beauty and learn about its rich history. The cathedral is an integral part of the city's identity and heritage, and it continues to be a symbol of Durham's spiritual and cultural significance.
The nearest major airport to Durham is Newcastle International Airport, which is located about 25 miles northeast of Durham city. Newcastle International Airport serves as the main airport for the North East of England region, including cities like Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham.
Durham does not have direct access to the sea, so it does not have a seaport of its own. Durham is an inland county in the North East of England, and it is not located on the coast. However, the region does have access to several nearby ports on the east coast of England. The closest major ports to Durham include the Port of Tyne in Newcastle and the Port of Sunderland.
The Port of Tyne, located near Newcastle, is one of the largest and busiest ports in the North East of England. It serves as a key hub for trade and cargo transport, handling a variety of goods and container shipments. The Port of Sunderland, also in close proximity to Durham, is a smaller port that primarily focuses on handling bulk cargoes, such as coal and aggregates.
Durham has a railway station located in the city center. Durham railway station is an important transportation hub in the North East of England, providing rail connections to various destinations across the region and the rest of the UK. The station is served by frequent train services operated by companies like LNER, CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, and Northern Rail.
Durham railway station offers direct services to major cities such as Newcastle, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Birmingham, and many others. The station is well-connected to the national rail network, making it a convenient and accessible transport option for both commuters and visitors to Durham.
The station itself is located close to the city center, making it easy to access local amenities, attractions, and accommodations. Durham railway station is a key transport hub for the city, providing connections to other modes of transport, including buses and taxis, to enable travelers to reach their final destinations within Durham and beyond.
The city is situated close to several major motorways, providing convenient road access to Durham and the surrounding areas. Here are some of the key motorways that serve Durham:
A1(M): The A1(M) motorway is a major north-south route that runs through Durham. It provides direct access to cities such as Newcastle, Leeds, and London. The A1(M) bypasses Durham to the west, with junctions providing access to the city and its surrounding areas.
A19: The A19 is another important north-south route that passes through Durham. It connects the city to places such as Newcastle, Middlesbrough, and Sunderland. The A19 intersects with the A1(M) just north of Durham, offering connections to other parts of the region.
A690: The A690 is a local route that connects Durham to nearby towns and cities, including Sunderland and the coastal areas. It provides access to the Durham city center and the University of Durham campus.
Durham has historical links to William the Conqueror, the Norman king who invaded England in 1066 and became the first Norman ruler of England. After his victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William the Conqueror began a campaign to consolidate his control over England, including the northern regions.
One of William's key actions was the establishment of Durham Cathedral in the late 11th century. Durham Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin, and St Cuthbert of Durham, was founded in 1093 as a symbol of Norman power and authority in the northeastern region of England.
The cathedral was built to house the shrine of Saint Cuthbert, a revered figure in the Northumbrian Christian tradition. The construction of Durham Cathedral was overseen by William's appointed bishop, William of St. Calais, who played a significant role in shaping the cathedral's design and layout.
Durham Cathedral became an important religious and political center in the North of England, serving as both a place of worship and a symbol of Norman influence in the region. The cathedral's impressive architecture, including its iconic Romanesque style and stunning location on a rocky promontory overlooking the River Wear, is a testament to the power and legacy of William the Conqueror in the region.
Today, Durham Cathedral continues to be a major landmark and tourist attraction in the city, attracting visitors from around the world to admire its historic significance and architectural beauty. The cathedral stands as a reminder of Durham's connection to William the Conqueror and the Norman conquest of England.
Durham has a rich Roman past. The city of Durham, located in northeast England, was known as the Roman fort of "Vinovia" during Roman times. The fort was situated at the strategic crossroads of two important Roman roads: Dere Street and the road from Lanchester to Binchester (Vinovia).
Vinovia was originally built by the Romans in the late 1st century AD and functioned as a military fort to control the local population and defend the northern frontier of Roman Britain. The fort was occupied by Roman soldiers and was part of the Roman defensive network in the region.
Although the original Roman fort at Durham is no longer visible, archaeological evidence of Roman activity, including coins, pottery, and other artifacts, have been discovered in and around the city. The Roman presence in Durham is an important part of the city's history and heritage, showcasing its ancient connections to the Roman Empire.
Today, visitors to Durham can explore this Roman heritage and learn more about the city's past through museums, historical sites, and guided tours that highlight the Roman influence on the area. The Roman legacy in Durham is an integral part of the city's identity and adds to its charm and historical significance.
Durham, like many other cities and regions in the United Kingdom, has historical connections to the transatlantic slave trade. The city benefited economically from industries that were linked to slavery, such as the textile trade, shipping, and finance.
Durham's role in the slave trade can be seen through various aspects of its history, including the ownership of plantations and enslaved people by wealthy individuals from the region, the investment of profits from the slave trade into local businesses and institutions, and the use of slave-produced goods in the local economy.
Additionally, there are records of Durham University and other institutions being funded by donations that were derived from the slave trade. Some of the buildings in Durham may also have been constructed using materials and resources that were connected to slavery.
In recent years, there has been an increased awareness and acknowledgment of Durham's historical ties to slavery, prompting discussions, initiatives, and actions to address and commemorate this aspect of the city's past. Efforts have been made to research and educate the public about Durham's links to slavery, as well as to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and understanding in the community.