Durham is a beautiful and historic city that can map out its roots back more than 1000 years with the arrival of a religious commune 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 might also provide defence against the Scots to the North.
Shortly following this labor began on the building of a cathedral to give shelter to the bones of St Cuthbert and of a castle to protect the city. The construction of the cathedral was one of the largest projects undertaken in the middle ages and the results were very impressive and it is at present acclaimed as a world heritage location. Durham continued to prosper with pilgrims from all around the planet 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 largesse of Bishop Van Mildert and Durham Castle became the original University College. In later years the industrialized revolution further enhanced Durham’s position as it turned into the hub of the coal industry in the North east and the position of the planet’s first passenger railway.
Today Durham is a highly attractive 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 lots of UK cities although it still has a broad range of up to date facilities. Much of the city centre is pedestrianised and a broad range of shops and restaurants sit next to the historic Victorian marketplace. Just 5 minutes stroll is all it needs to flee the hustle and bustle of the city centre and discover yourself on one of the many paths that head down to the riverbanks and some peace and silence.
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 boasts a varied selection of cafes, bars and restaurants and is the centre for Durham’s busy nightlife.
If you are searching to rent or acquire Durham property you number one port of call must be one of the well qualified and knowledgeable Durham estate agents. A 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 might expect to pay for the many distinctive areas of Durham. Houses to rent in Durham do not tend to remain on the marketplace 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 must to be quick off the mark as there is fierce competition for property rental in Durham. Durham is one of the UKs most charismatic and sought-after locations to live with a mixture of the old and the modern combining to create the ideal little city.