The city of Durham is known as the “Medicine City”, and healthcare is a major industry that includes more than 300 medical and health-related companies and offices. Durham is a city rich in history, culture and innovation. Known for its prestigious universities, thriving arts scene and culinary delights, Durham captivates residents and visitors alike. From the bustling city center to the serene Duke Forest, Durham offers a unique combination of urban emotion and natural beauty.
As we explore the essence of this dynamic city, we discover what Durham is known for, highlighting its many distinctive features. At the front door of Durham Cathedral is the Knocker Sanctuary (now a replica; the original is in the Cathedral Museum). Fugitives who took the handle were granted shelter for 37 days. They could then face their accusers or receive safe conduct until the coast.
Charles Dickens stayed at Barnard Castle when he was collecting material for “Nicholas Nickleby”, while William Shaw's Academy in Bowes, now a private home, served as a model for the infamous Dotheboys Hall. The city of Durham saw the birth of modern English mustard when a Mrs. Clements came up with the idea of grinding mustard seeds into flour in a mill on Sadler Street. This new style of mustard quickly received royal approval from King George I, ensuring the success of Mrs.
Clements. Thanks to the marriage of Mrs. Clements' daughter, the business passed into the hands of the Ainsley family, who sold it to the Colemans of Norwich in the early 20th century. The Bowes Museum houses a 250-year-old musical automaton in the shape of a life-size silver swan, making it older than the United States of America.
Known as “the Henley of the North”, the Durham Regatta is five years before the Southern regatta. Founded in 1834 by Durham University, the Durham School and the Durham Boat Club, paddlers from Tyne, Wear and Tees were invited to participate in this three-day festival. Durham has many aspects that contribute to its appeal, from its gastronomic offerings to nearby outdoor attractions, so it's no surprise that Bull City attracts and generates talent at the same time. Famous people of all kinds live in Durham or hail from Durham, from hip-hop artists to journalists.
As a place that encourages the arts and encourages creativity, Durham offers talent the opportunity to truly thrive. The wider influence of the artists and cultural creators living in Durham is one of the many impactful ways in which we see Bull City making its mark on the world. Located in the North East of England, Durham is a city steeped in history, tradition and an impressive architecture. Known for its impressive cathedral and castle, both declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Durham offers a unique combination of medieval heritage and vibrant modern culture.
Whether you're a history buff, an architecture lover, or just looking for a picturesque getaway, Durham has something for everyone. The church built by the monks lasted only a century, since it was replaced by the current Durham Cathedral after the Norman conquest; together with Durham Castle, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Durham Dragons, a women's quick-throw softball team, played at Durham Athletic Park from 1998 to 2000. The merger of Durham City Schools (several inner-city neighborhoods) and Durham County schools in the early 1990s generated controversy.
The Elvet Bridge leads to the Elvet area of the city, to Durham Prison and to the south; the Prebends Bridge is smaller and allows access from the Bailey to the south of Durham. Those who know the strangest side of Durham won't be surprised to discover that the creators of Netflix's Stranger Things, the Duffer brothers, hail from Durham. In less than a week, students from North Carolina College in Durham and Duke University organized a sitting in Durham. Durham Castle, now part of Durham University, has a history that goes beyond its role as a fortress and residence.
The Durham Art Walk features a variety of artists who come together each year for a large exhibition of works on the streets of Durham. This picturesque path meanders through the heart of the city and offers stunning views of Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle and the surrounding lush countryside. It is the county seat and contains the headquarters of Durham County Council, the unitary authority that governs the district of County Durham. Durham public schools are administered by Durham Public Schools, the eighth largest school district in North Carolina.
North Durham University Hospital and HM Durham Prison are also close to the city center. In the 1950s and 1960s, what is now the world's largest university research park, which gives its name to the vast Triangle region, was excavated in the pine forests of Durham to become a special tax district in Durham County. The old district that covered Durham was Durham and Framwelgate, which was reformed by the Municipal Companies Act of 1835. William the Conqueror recognized the need to protect the northern territories and ordered the construction of Durham Castle, which served as a fortress and residence for Durham's prince-bishops.
