After the heat back home, Durham's verdant cool was a blessed relief. Our first day was spent walking along the banks of the River Wear , with the Castle, its Keep and Cathedral always in view. They claim joint UNESCO World Heritage status.
The Castle is Norman in archtectural style. It began as a defensive mound in 1072, with the Keep fortifying the later castle stronghold .Originally constructed in wood, the current stone Keep was built by Bishop Hatfield in the 14th century. Primarily the traditional residence of the Bishop of Durham until Bishop van Mildert donated the Castle to the University who have been located there since 1837.
Across The Green lies the Church of England Cathedral, and seat of the Bishop of Durham. This was originally a monastery but since the dissolution has been governed by the Dean and Chapter from 1541.
Romanesque in architectural style, the nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. Bishop Walcher was appointed by the king to exercise royal authority and later purchased the Earldom of Northumberland. Thus began the famous line of Prince Bishops who were entitled to raise an army, levy taxes and even mint their own coinage! An Act of Parliament curbed those powers in 1836.
We were impressed to see many tourists enjoy visiting this sanctuary in hushed tones of awe!
This beautiful stained glass window honours the Magna Carta, a kind of early constitution. Though radically changed over the years, it had an important role in the development of mediaeval law. The only example of the 1216 Charter is housed in Durham Cathedral.
And we admired secular stained glass art in our boutique hotel in Old Elvet. Originally the Old Shire Hall, founded in 1892, from 1898 to 1963 it was the headquarters of Durham County Council. Thereafter it was used by the University of Durham until 2012 when it became what is now the Indigo Hotel.
We enjoyed delicious breakfasts in the Marco Pierre White restaurant, no less!
I loved the tea-making/ reading nook, complete with a Charles Rennie Mackintosh-type chair!
Beyond tourism, we had the chance to meet family and friends - round the table, of course !
No comments:
Post a Comment