More of Durham

We took a tour of Durham Castle which has been occupied continuously since the 11th century. Since 1840 it has been part of Durham University. 

The castle was built in 1072 by the Normans. It stands high above the River Wear, on the UNESCO World Herritage Site with the cathedral.

Inside there are two chapels, a Great Hall, student residences and so on.

The beautiful Norman Chapel, built in 1078.

Heraldic shields.

 

Another shield.

 

 

Along the walls.

 

 

 

Don't know what was so fascinating up there, but do know it was cold that day.

The trees by the river were looking quite autumnal.

  

A foot bridge across the River Wear.

  

Hardy fishermen in the River Wear.

We had a lovely time at the 13th century Crook Hall and it's idyllic themed gardens.

 

 

 

Bill lost in the maze.

  

David with tour guild for the maze and gardens of Crook Hall.

 

Beautiful old stone walls.

 

 

This door leads to the Secret Walled Garden, which is over 700 years old. William Wordsworth and John Ruskin visited this garden.

 

 

There were still lots of plants flowering, even though it was half way through Autumn.

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Three garden gnomes. 

The guide introduces us to one of the many sculptures.

 

Inside the house, the oldest part is the 13th century medieval hall.

Ancient stairs to nowhere.

 

 

 

Looking over one of the gardens from upstairs. 

There is a view to the castle and the cathedral from the house.

  

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After visiting Crook Hall, we walked to the Botanical Gardens, which has 25 acres of plants from all over the world. It is part of the University and is used for study, research and education.

 

Next morning we had a last view of Durham from the train as we headed for London and home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Durham with Jenny and David October 11, 12, 13,

After our week in Edingburgh we took the train to Durham. Jenny and David came up from Norwich to meet us for three days.

Durham is a lovely university town with a castle and a cathedral which together have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The River Wear winds around the town.

There are lots of bridges to cross the river.

In 995 a group of monks from Lindisfarne, carrying St Cuthbert's body, chose the Durham’s position on the high, strategic peninsula to build a church to house St Cuthbert's shrine.

Our first visit was to the Durham Museum and Heritage Centre in the historic church of St Mary-Le-Bow.

Inside the museum.

This model shows how the river runs around the hill and thus made an excellent strong hold for the town.

This poor little boy was a common sight around about in the 1950's or so.

The St Nicholas' church, in the Durham Market Place.

Bill, Jenny and David in the Market Place.

Doors to the Victorian Market Hall.

Durham has beautiful flower displays all over the town.

The Durham Cathedral from the front, in Romanesque architectural style. It was founded in its current form in 1092.

Part of the side of the Cathedral.

The ribbed vaulting in the nave.

Clock inside the Cathedral.

The font.

A modern stained glass version of the Last Supper.

A crypt.

Looking through the cloisters.

In the undercroft there is scale representation of the Cathedral being made from 350,000 Lego bricks.

Jenny makes a donation and places a brick.

View from the top of the castle mound.

Cross in the grounds. 

Some sight seeing in Edinburgh.

In between hard work we had a chance to fit in a wee bit of site seeing. This is the Georgian House in Charlotte Square, Edinburgh New Town, dating back to 1796. It was designed by Roberts Adams in the Paladian style. 

The dining room.

 

Looking over the Scottish National Gallery and New Town towards the Firth of Forth.

 

The Scottish National Gallery.

  

Inside the gallery, Edgar Degas Grande Arabesques.

  

Van Gogh Olive Trees, 1889.

 

East Princes Street Gardens.

  

In Greyfriars Kirk is the grave of Bobby from the famous story of Bobby the dog who sat by the grave of his master, John Gray, in this Kirk for 14 years until he died.

Bobby's statue. 

Bill went to St Andrews to spend some time with Ian. This is the church where his mum and dad were married.

 

On one of the days he went with Graham to the Royal Yacht Britannia, permanently moored at Leith Docks now.

As well, he went the People's Story Museum dealing with the living and working conditions of the ordinary people in Edinburgh.