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21 October 2004

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History of Durham

Durham has a unique history perhaps the most unique in England. In 1072 William The Conqueror gave a special blend of civil and religious authority to the Bishops of Durham. For many years they held ecclesiastical and political sovereignty over Durham. This strong political force was designed to deter Scottish invasion into the border country. The Bishops had their own armies, own taxes, own courts and coined their own money, in all but name they were kings. The power of the Bishops was so extensive that even the Doomsday Survey stopped at the County boundary.
Today the massive impact that the Prince Bishops of Durham had on the area is still evident. Their power is ever present in Castles, parks, villages, towns, place names and churches, and of course Durham City itself. Durham Cathedral and castle are still imposing symbols of the power of the Bishops, leaving little doubt were the center of this almost independent kingdom lay in earlier years.
Durham Castle and Cathedral are world heritage sites and have dominated the city skyline for nine centuries. The castle is one of the largest preserved Norman strongholds in England. The Cathedral is widely acclaimed as one of the finest buildings in the world and is certainly visually stunning.
Coupled with this Durham is home to the third oldest university after Oxford and Cambridge.

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