England
County Durham

The oldest and most interesting parts of Durham are contained within a small area, making for easy sightseeing. Walks along the river banks provide superb views of the castle and cathedral, and regular cruise ships ply the river itself.

1135 The Bishop's mint has been establihed near to Durham Castle. Unique Durham coins will be produced here.

1136 5th February King Stephen of England and David King of Scotland have signed a treaty at Durham in an attempt to settle land disputes. David's son Henry has been granted the Earldom of Huntingdon but King Stephen will keep Northumberland which has been claimed by the Scots for many years.

In 1179 Bishop Hugh Pudsey granted Durham a charter allowing them to hold a market. That same year the charter was confirmed by the pope, making Durham one of only two English cities to have a martket charter upheld by a papal bull (the other is Beverly).

In 1312 a force of Scots under Robert the Bruce struck far south into England, reaching the outskirts of Durham itself, where they burned and looted, though the city itself was spared.

More County Durham resources