Durham

Introduction

County Durham is an area as rich as any in Britain. Its scenic and historic treasures stand comparison with every one of the better-known regions that border it; Northumberland, the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors - all of which possess magnificent National Parks. Creation of the two ?industrial counties? of Tyne and Wear and Cleveland meant that County Durham today is entirely different from what many people expect.

To the west it is a landscape of rolling heather-clad, purple moors interrupted by unspoilt, peaceful dales. In the centre it is low-lying farmland, lush and green and in the east there is a rugged coastline, with impressive cliffs and rock formations. Local government reorganisation might have created new ?authorities? but these two areas form an integral part of Durham?s history and therefore, character. As such, they will be deemed part of this region - the ?old county? of Durham, the County Palatine as once ruled by the great and powerful Prince Bishops. Their capital was the world-famous City of Durham with its magnificent Cathedral and Castle.

History & Heritage

Settlement can be traced back to the Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age with the earliest discovered burial mound at Copt Hill near Houghton-le-Spring. There seems to have been only spasmodic settlement during the Bronze Age which however has yielded one inestimably precious find - from Heathery Burn Cave - now in the British Museum. For the most part, evidence of Roman occupation is seen only in a series of military forts dotted along Dere Street. Arbeia fort at South Shields was used to supply and garrison Hadrian?s Wall. The rise of Christianity in this area culminates in not only one of the finest buildings in Britain, but in the world - Durham Cathedral. The Middle Ages belong to the Prince Bishops who ruled, absolutely, until the reign of Henry VIII. The eventual dissolution of the monasteries led to of long period of unrest with the final restoration of the Bishop of Durham in the reign of Charles II. Finally, the Industrial Revolution saw the expansion of the Durham Coalfield, development of all the major towns and the establishment of the railways, which all led to a change in the way of life in much of County Durham.

Customs & Culture

In a county so diverse and containing such distinctive portions within it, an embracing culture cannot possibly exist. Catherine Cookson has brilliantly described life in her native ?North East? but in no way should her inspiration be confused with the Lindisfarne Gospels, now in the British Museum, but for many years at Chester-le-Street then Durham. This Gospel has been described as the most beautiful manuscript in Europe. Mining has been at the heart of the county for over 2000 years, initially in the valleys of the high Pennines for lead and then gradually extending east for coal. Neither, however, can account for two of the world?s finest buildings, Durham Cathedral and the massive, mediaeval, stronghold of Raby Castle. Almost as good is the incredibly surprising Bowes Museum, built in the finest traditions of French architecture! Certainly, there is a railway culture, after all it was Stephenson?s locomotives that changed the face of Britain, but like all Durham?s traditional industries it has virtually disappeared. Life has always been hard in this corner of England but Durham will fight back because, if there is one underlying culture, it is based on resilience.

Landscapes & Landforms

A geographer would most certainly appreciate the industrial legacy and resulting landscape of the eastern, lowland section - and urban landscapes in Durham can be as fine as nature?s own. Durham City itself is a perfect example of this and many of the industrialised villages have marvellous, spacious greens which remain as a tribute to their origins. Natural landscapes are not to be outdone. The River Tees above Barnard Castle is English river scenery at its finest. Heaven and earth are said to meet here, in this most perfect dale which boasts both England?s largest waterfall (High Force) and her longest series of cascades (Cauldron Snout). The River Wear starts life on the magnificent, empty, wild moorlands of the high Pennines whilst in the southwest the views over County Durham from the rear of the highest Inn in England - Tan Hill - are of a vast, upland, landscape, unchanged since the last Ice Age.

Places to Visit & Events

Most of the very best places to visit have already been mentioned but that isn?t to say that that is all there is - far from it . At Escomb there is a wonderful Saxon church and the oldest sundial in England. Houghton-le-Spring has an imposing 13th century church and was once popular as a spa, evidenced by the fine houses which survive from that period. Football fanatics ought to visit the Working Men?s Club at West Auckland the home of the winners of the first World Cup! There are a tremendous range of natural, historical and activity places to visit for the visitor. There are excellent museums in the City of Durham, specifically the Oriental Museum and the Durham Light Infantry Museum. Not far away can be found Washington Hall with its USA connection, as well as the Washington Wildfowl Trust. Darlington has Stephenson?s Locomotion No1, but the Fort of Arbeia at South Shields transports you back to Roman times. And there really is an awful lot more. However, mention must be made of the world-famous Beamish Museum which is a live 'open air' museum on a huge site preserving the culture and heritage of this remarkable region.

Sports & Leisure

Football is not just a game here it?s more a passionate way of life and is played at every conceivable level. Walking is especially well catered for including part of the Pennine Way, the Wear Valley Way and the Derwent Walk. Many of the disused railway lines are now used for walking and riding which has become very popular. There are a range of water-sports available on the region's reservoirs. Fishing is easily pursued in County Durham, not only on the rivers, but also reservoirs and sea angling. The River Tees offers some of the best white-water canoeing in the country, both naturally and at the bespoke competition course constructed beside the Tees Barrage. There are excellent Outdoor Pursuit centres which offer a wide range of activities, including skiing in the winter.