History of Durham
Durham is located in the ‘County Durham’ district of England. It is famous for its castle and Norman Cathedral. It contains the ‘Durham University’ as well. In the vicinity lies the ‘HM prison Durham’. The name ‘Durham’ is derived from ‘dun-holm’ (old English). It means ‘hill-island’. The sharp, hilly embankments have given it this name.
Early History
As per the archaeological survey, the history of settlements at Durham can be traced approximately to 2000 BC. The current city can trace its origin to 995 AD. This was when some monks who had come from Lindisfarne had chosen this strategically high peninsula for settling with Saint Cuthbert’s body, which previously laid in ‘Chester-le-Street’, as a church was found there. Legends say that a milkmaid in search of her ‘dun cow’ had led them to this location.
The construction of current ‘Durham Cathedral’ is said to have started from 1093 AD onwards. It still has debris of ‘St Cuthbert’ and ‘The Venerable Bede’. It is being considered as world’s most spacious cathedral by Bill Bryson, a travel writer. Opposite to cathedral towards ‘Palace Green’ is ‘Durham Castle’. Its construction is attributed to the Normans. The year of beginning of construction is believed to be 1071 AD. This was the time when William ‘The Conqueror’ had returned from the Scotland campaign. The constructions such as Victorian Restorations of Anthony Salvin are the most recent ones. These 2 buildings have been recognized by UNESCO. Since 1837, University College has been running in the castle. It is proudly known as the University’s 1st ever college.
3 centuries following the castle’s construction, the be seizure of Durham was constantly done by Scots. The most noteworthy was the ‘Battle of Neville’s Cross’. During the medieval period, Durham was known for its ecclesiastical and political power. This was owing to the strategic importance adjoining Scotland’s border. County Durham was termed as a ‘palatinate’. It was ruled by the secular Prince-Bishops. He had laid down his own currency. Every ‘Bishop of Durham’, right from 1071 till 1836 was termed as ‘Prince Bishop’. The only exception was ‘Bishop Walcher’, appointed by Norman. He was called ‘Earl-Bishop’. Henry VIII reduced some powers of Prince-Bishop, and shattered Cuthbert’s shrine in 1538.
19th Century
The extraordinary powers of Bishop were removed following the ‘Great Reform Act of 1832’. The ‘University of Durham’ came into being in 1832. It has numerous buildings on peninsula, along with ‘Elvet Hill’ on river’s other side. The industry dealing with coal mining also flourished during the 19th century. The 1st ‘Durham Miners’ Gala’ was organized in 1871. It still finds place in most of the books related to medieval history of England.
The credit for the development of gala goes to the trade unionism of miners. The 1st union came into being in 1869. The venue of this gala was Wharton Park in Durham. During the peak time, around 250,000 people were attracted by the gala. This figure is approximately six times of Durham city’s population. The tradition has been carried forward by arranging for the get-together of miners every year on the 2nd Saturday. The month is July.