A great city to visit in the North east of England is Durham. Durham is famous for its castle and cathedral and as it is located on a hill, the name actually translates into hill home. Monks were the first to build in this area though settlements have been found that date to 2000BC. This peninsula is strategically advantageous for many reasons and a church was the first building constructed.
There is a legend that is associated with the founding of the city. Priests gad difficulties moving the bier of Saint Cuthbert and were told in a dream to lay him to rest at Dun Holm, the ancient dame of Durham. They had no idea where this spot was and eventually came across a milk mild that was able to take them to the spot. Once they found dun Holm they built a cathedral though this original building no longer stands.
It was not until a milkmaid asked them if they had seen her last cow as she had seen it last in dun Holm that the monks were able to find the spot. They then built the first Durham Cathedral though there are no remains of this cathedral.
Durham also was important during the fighting against the Scots. The castle at Durham is one of the only ones to never be breached and this spot was important for defending Northern England. One of the most famous battles of its time, the Battle of Neville’s Cross, was fought in Durham.
The strategic location of the city also made it important in the struggle between the British and the Scots. The castle at Durham is the only one that has never been breached and was very important to defending the north of the country. The Battle of Neville’s Cross was fought nearby and was one of the most famous battles of its time.
Durham castle was initially built to display Norman power in England as much of the area was prown to rebellions. This type of castle is a motte and bailey castle that was traditional of the Normans. For many years this was the Bishop’s Palace until the castle was given to Durham University as accommodation. The great Hall is quite famous as it is the largest in England and was designed by Bishop Antony Bek.
The castle then was given to the University where it was used as accommodation. The great Hall of the cathedral is very famous and is the largest found in England.
For accommodation in Durham check this list of Durham hotels.