Other Definitions
durham (dest)
durham (dest)
durham (dict)
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Durham - For other places called Durham, see Durham (disambiguation).
Durham (IPA: ) is a small city in County Durham in the north east of England, situated 25 km (15 miles) to the south of Newcastle upon Tyne. The River Wear flows through the city, enclosing the centre on three sides to create Durham's "peninsula". Durham is located in the City of Durham local government district, which extends beyond the city, and has a total population of 87,656. Durham's MP is Gerry Steinberg (Labour). It is home to the prestigious University of Durham, which has several colleges on the peninsula and on Elvet Hill on the other side of the river. Durham Cathedral was built from 1093 and contains the remains of St Cuthbert and The Venerable Bede. It is regarded by many as the finest cathedral in the country. Durham is a hilly city, and the cathedral, in its prominent position high above the Wear, dominates the skyline. Facing the cathedral across Palace Green is Durham Castle, which since 1837 has been home to University College. The two buildings are jointly designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In mediaeval times Durham was a major centre of both political and ecclesiastical power, mainly due to its strategic importance near the border with Scotland. County Durham was a palatinate, ruled by Prince-Bishops who had secular authority and considerable autonomy from Westminster, minting their own coinage and maintaining their own armies. Every Bishop of Durham from 1071 to 1836 was a Prince Bishop except for the first Norman-appointed bishop Walcher, who was an Earl-Bishop. Travellers coming from the south on the East Coast Main Line enter Durham over a spectacular viaduct high above the city. By road the A1(M), modern incarnation of the ancient Great North Road, passes just to the east of the city. A popular annual event in Durham is the Durham Miners' Gala. See also External links
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