|
Durham Castle and Cathedral Description: Durham Castle and Cathedral, seated high on a peninsula overlooking the River Wear, have been the first sight to greet visitors to this historic city for hundreds of years and were jointly designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. Construction on the castle began in 1072, just after the Norman Conquest, under the orders of William the Conqueror, and it is a typical example of a motte and bailey fortification. It was initially used to control the rebellious Saxons who populated northern England. From the 11th century onwards it was used as the seat of power of the Prince Bishops appointed by the British Crown to rule the Palatinate of Durham, the remote area of northern England vulnerable to attack from the Scots. In 1837, the last Prince Bishop, Bishop Van Mildert, helped found the University of Durham and donated the castle as its first home. It still houses students of University College, the oldest of the 14 university colleges, who live in the keep and dine in the wood-panelled Great Hall, containing portraits of the Prince Bishops. Across the lawned area, known as Palace Green, stands the Cathedral Church of Christ and Blessed Mary the Virgin, the best example of Norman-style architecture in England. It was built between 1093 and 1274, originally to house the relics of St Cuthbert, the Northumbrian evangelist who died in AD 687. Also interred in the cathedral is the Venerable Bede, who died in AD 735. Bede’s work, ‘The Ecclesiastical History of the English People’ is considered to be the first ever history of England. The cathedral’s nave is one of the most complete examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. At 61m (200ft) long and 22m (72ft) high, it features two rows of huge cylindrical and compound pillars supporting rounded arches. The twin West Towers overlook the River Wear and Prebends Bridge, which bears an inscription of a poem by Walter Scott in praise of the castle and cathedral. There are views of the cobbled streets of Durham and the surrounding countryside from the Central Tower. Contact Addresses: Castle: Durham Castle, Palace Green, Durham DH1 3RW, UK Tel: (0191) 374 3863. Fax: (0191) 374 7470. E-mail: j.a.marshall@durham.ac.uk or University-College.www@durham.ac.uk Website: www.durhamcastle.com Cathedral: The Dean and Chapter of Durham Cathedral, The Chapter Office, The College, Durham DH1 3EH, UK Tel: (0191) 386 4266. Fax: (0191) 386 4267. E-mail: enquiries@durhamcathedral.co.uk Website: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk Transportation: Air: Newcastle Airport. Rail: Train: Durham Station (frequent intercity services from London Kings Cross Station, Edinburgh, Newcastle or southwest England). Road: Coach: Durham Bus Station. Car: A1 (to Junction 62), then A690 (from London, the Midlands, Scotland or Newcastle). Visitors should avoid driving in the city centre where possible, as the streets are very narrow. The site is a short walk from the bus and train stations. Opening Times: Guided tours of Castle: Mon, Wed and Sat at intervals during the afternoon (term-time Oct-mid Mar and May-Jun); daily at intervals during the morning and afternoon (during vacations mid-Mar-mid-Apr and Jul-Sep). Other events may disrupt this schedule and visitors are therefore advised to check with the Castle Porter (tel: (0191) 374 3800) in advance. Cathedral: Mon-Sat 0730-1815, Sun 0745-1700 (9 Sep-16 Jun); Mon-Sat 0730-2000, Sun 0745-2000 (17 Jun-8 Sep). Central Tower: Mon-Sat 1000-1500 (Oct-Mar); Mon-Sat 0930-1600 (Apr-Sep). Admission Fees: Castle: £3 (adult), £2 (child under 14). Family pass available. Cathedral: Free (requested donation of £3). Central Tower: £2 (adult), £1 (child). 
|
||||
|
|
||||
