Durham is a beautiful and historic city that can track down its roots back more than 1000 years with the arrival of a religious society searching for a resting place for the remains of St Cuthbert. Following the Norman triumph of 1066 King William realized that this location was an ideal place to control Northumbria and could in addition provide defence against the Scots to the North.
Shortly after this work began on the building of a big cathedral to accommodate the remains of St Cuthbert and of a castle to defend the city. The building of the cathedral was one of the greatest projects undertaken in the middle ages and the results were very impressive and it is at present recognized as a world heritage site. Durham continued to prosper with pilgrims from all around the globe coming to the city and helping to make it one of the richest in England.
In the mid 19th century the University was founded owing largely to the kindness of Bishop Van Mildert and Durham Castle turned into the first University College. In later years the industrial revolution further enhanced Durham’s position as it turned into the capital of the coal industry in the North east and the position of the world’s first passenger railway.
Today Durham is a highly popular place in which to live and work and this is reflected in the areas house prices. The city of Durham is relatively small compared to most UK cities although it still possesses a broad range of up-to-the-minute facilities. Much of the city centre is pedestrianised and a varied range of shops and restaurants sit next to the historic Victorian marketplace making it a terrific place to spend your leisure time. Just 5 minutes stroll is all it needs to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and find yourself on one of the many paths that lead down to the riverbanks and a little tranquility and quiet.
Some of the various attractions in the city include the annual Durham regatta, the Miners Gala and the recently opened Millennium Place development which includes the Gala Theatre and Cinema. The nearby Walkergate Development possesses a widespread selection of cafes, bars and restaurants and is the centre for Durham’s busy nightlife.
If you are looking to rent or buy Durham property you initial harbor of call ought to be one of the well qualified and knowledgeable Durham estate agents. A good quality Durham estate agent will be able to keep you informed on Durham properties that have recently come on to the marketplace and the current prices that you can expect to pay for the many distinctive areas of Durham. Houses to rent in Durham do not tend to remain on the market for long as there is high demand for renting in Durham from the substantial student population.
If you plan to rent property in Durham you have to be quick off the mark as there is fierce competition for property rental in Durham. Durham is one of the UKs most pleasing and desirable places to live with a mixture of the old and the new combining to make the flawless little city. A great guide to Durham is available online from Durham council which was voted one of the greatest in the UK by the residents and is very valuable for newcomers to the city.