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Fascinating Facts
Sanctuary Knocker
On the main door of Durham Cathedral is the Sanctuary Knocker (a replica now, the original can be found in the Cathedral Museum). Any fugitives who grasped the knocker were granted sanctuary for 37 days. They could then either face their accusers or be given safe conduct to the coast.
Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens stayed in Barnard Castle when collecting material for ‘Nicholas Nickleby’, whilst William Shaw’s Academy in Bowes, now a private house, was a model for the infamous Dotheboys Hall.
Mrs Clements
Durham City saw the birth of modern English mustard when one Mrs Clements hit upon the idea of grinding mustard seeds like flour at a mill in Sadler Street. This new style of mustard quickly received Royal approval from King George I, ensuring Mrs Clements’ success. Through the marriage of Mrs Clements’ daughter, the business passed to the Ainsley family who sold out to the Colemans of Norwich in the early 20th Century.
Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site
Durham's Cathedral and Castle UNESCO World Heritage Site was one of the very 1st to be designated IN 1987, along with the Taj Mahal and Palace of Versailles.
The Bowes Museum
The Bowes Museum is home to a 250-year-old musical automaton in the form of a life-size Silver Swan, making it older than the United States of America.
Durham Regatta
Known as “the Henley of the North”, Durham Regatta actually pre-dates its southern counterpart by five years. Founded in 1834 by Durham University, Durham School and Durham Boat Club, oarsmen from the Tyne, Wear and Tees were invited to take part in the three-day festival.
Raby Castle
The Medieval kitchen at Raby Castle was still in use until 1954.
Causey Arch
Causey Arch is the world’s oldest surviving railway bridge, built in 1725-1726 by a local stonemason.
First World Cup
In 1909 an amateur football team from West Auckland won the first World Cup, beating FC Winterthour of Switzerland. They repeated their success in 1911, thrashing Juventus 6-1. The legend of West Auckland’s World Cup success was made into a 1982 film, ‘The Captain's Tale’, starring Dennis Waterman.
Durham University Oriental Museum
Durham University Oriental Museum is the only museum in the north of Britain dedicated solely to the art and archaeology of the Orient - and home to an Egyptian cat's coffin.
