Historic England: Durham

This illustrated history portrays one of England’s finest counties. It provides a nostalgic look at Durham’s past and highlights the special character of some of its most important historic sites.


The photographs are taken from the Historic England Archive, a unique collection of over 12 million photographs, drawings, plans and documents covering England’s archaeology, architecture, social and local history. Pictures date from the earliest days of photography to the present and cover subjects from Bronze Age burials and medieval churches to cinemas and seaside resorts.


Once a region of mining and heavy industry, the county borders the rivers Tyne and Wear to the north-east, Northumberland to the north, Cumbria to the west and North Yorkshire to the south and, historically, included Gateshead and Sunderland. Today, one of the main industries is tourism, thanks to the cathedral city of Durham - a remarkable place, a priceless historical gem and, deservedly, a World Heritage Site. Historic England: Durham shows the county as it once was, from Durham City’s narrow medieval streets to the industrial landscapes of South Tyneside and Wearside. This book will help you discover the remarkable history of this proud region.