Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Durham





Come join us again as we travel back to England to celebrate our Golden Anniversary.  We decided that we must go into Durham to visit a most famous cathedral.



Durham Cathedral is The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St. Cuthbert of Durham.  This 900 year old church is the seat of the Bishop of Durham.  The Norman architecture is considered one of the finest in Europe.  In 1986 it received the World Heritage status by UNESCO. 



Durham is a beautiful old city that really reminded us of other European cities we have traveled.  It lies beside the River Wear in northeast England in County Durham.  It's easy to see the cathedral from miles around, but finding a parking space was a little harder.  After driving around we realized we had been passing the car park.  



The bearded Neptune lead sculpture shows him raising his trident over the dolphin.  He certainly has a presence in the Market Place of Durham. 




This is a sculpture of The Marquess of Londonderry named Charles William Vane Tempest Stewart.  He was a soldier that lived in the area and later owned many of the coal mines as well.  He built the Seaham Harbour and is credited with selling the coal cheaper and easier from the harbor. 



St. Nicolas church is on the edge of the Market Place.  Many folks gathered here among the lovely surroundings and beautiful architecture and flowers everywhere.





There were several guides along the street directing tourists to various places of interest.  After speaking with her, she recommended a lovely little spot for lunch where we enjoyed a very nice quiche and salad.  We followed her directions up a quaint alley way to dine alfresco at Venel's Cafe.





After lunch we made our way to visit the Cathedral.  My pictures in no way do this beautiful building justice.  Its imposing presence in Durham is noteworthy to say the least.




No photos are allowed inside to keep the quiet beauty and reverence of such a house of worship.  







It gave us goosebumps to realize that for more than 1,000 years people have worshiped God on this site!



Durham Cathedral touched my heart in many ways.  Its beauty alone and then the profound sounds of the magnificent organ playing as we toured the inside of this iconic building.  The stained glass windows are mainly from the 19th century as the Medieval glass was destroyed by the iconoclasts during the Reformation.  They considered icons of saints to be blasphemous.  I'm afraid some of the Puritan ancestors that came to America were responsible for this deed!  We spoke with a gentleman in Salisbury that pointed that very fact out to us.  If you want to know more about Durham Cathedral you can go HERE 

Durham Castle is directly across the street from the Cathedral.  It now serves as the University College, Durham.




Durham Castle construction began in 1072 under William the Conqueror.  


  
Can you imagine attending college in a castle?



And in the shadow of Durham Cathedral?



As we were leaving we noticed the beautiful vines (I believe it's Virginia Creeper) wearing their lovely Autumnal clothes.
  


Durham is a very busy city that is obviously beloved by its citizens as well as its tourists.



It was time for us to leave and drive "home" through the upper Yorkshire Dales into Cumbria.  What a lovely day we have enjoyed.
















42 comments:

  1. Hello Martha Ellen

    This looks lovely:)

    I would love to see inside the Cathedral, they have such a feeling of peace.
    I am always in awe of the Architecture and all the Hard Working Souls
    who built them in the first place using only the most basic tools.

    The college looks a beautiful building also.


    Take Care xo💙


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    1. I agree, Fiona. A cathedral is a place to behold! Durham Cathedral is very special and I will never forget the feeling of awe we experienced when we entered this house of worship. You can go to the link and take a look at what they share about Durham. How it was built is beyond my imagination! ♥

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  2. You visit so many interesting places Martha Ellen! Thank you for taking your readers along through pictures!

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    1. Thank you for coming along with us, Pilar. We are enjoying reliving it with you. ♥

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  3. Durham looks like a very old city, and charming. Being Catholic, I loved seeing and hearing about the Cathedral. 900 years old, wow. The vines changing to Autumn colors are so pretty. I love the brick walls going into the café, and especially the alley. Your quiche looks so good, Martha Ellen. You always stop at Yummy places to eat. This is a pretty picture of you standing with the Cathedral in the distance. Oh, I really enjoy these trips of yours. I learn many things each and every time. : )

    ~Sheri

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    1. Sheri, it's hard to express the majesty and splendor of Durham Cathedral. Go look at the link and see for yourself. It's a Christian church of the Anglican Communion. The city of Durham is so lovely and has much to offer. They take very good care of their heritage and it shows. Thank you for your sweet comments, my friend. It's nice to have you tour with us. ♥

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  4. I thoroughly enjoy your travel photos. I may never get to go there so getting to see your trip means a lot to me.. I descend from the English people and dream of getting to see it there. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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    1. We're glad to have you along, Teresa. I understand wanting to visit where your ancestors came from. I too have English ancestors and when we visit Britain I feel at home. It's hard to describe the joy I feel when I'm in England. ♥

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  5. I too am in awe of these magnificent old buildings. I can only imagine how wonderful it would be to visit this very old city with its castles and cathedrals. Thank you so much Martha for sharing your Golden Anniversary with us.

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    1. We are glad to have you come along with us, Chip Butter. Sharing our memories here is a joy. ♥

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  6. LOL I actually DID go to college in a castle. https://www.arcadia.edu/story/story-grey-towers-castle Not quite as grand as the castles in Europe, but pretty nice for a small town outside Philadelphia.

    Happy, happy anniversary. What a wonderful way to celebrate.

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    1. Dee, how neat you went to college at Arcadia! One day we'll have to visit your alma mater! I love learning that about you. Thank you for visiting with us today. ♥

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  7. Such a beautiful place for you to visit. Our youngest daughter did some of her teaching training there so it is a place that we know quite well.

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    1. Lorraine, that is so nice to know that about your daughter. What an exciting environment for her! Durham will forever be in our hearts. ♥

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  8. What a place! The rules of sanctuary are very interesting and pretty good I’d say.

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    1. I agree, very sensible and fair I'd say. Although if I were seeking sanctuary I might feel differently! ♥

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  9. Beautiful! My Godmother recently returned from a short trip to Durham saying it was far too short to take in all the beauty of the place.

    St Davids Cathedral is a contemporary of Durham, and I have grown up believing it to be a fine example of Norman architecture ~ until I attended a talk the other evening which pointed out that, mainly due to the historical destruction during the Reformation, and the resulting restoration in Victorian days, the building is actually Victorian not Norman! I wonder to what extent this applies to every cathedral in Britain? I don't think any were left untouched.

    ~~~Waving~~~From Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo

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    1. We feel the same as your Godmother, Deb. Durham is a place to be enjoyed for days if not weeks or months!
      Durham Cathedral took my breath away with its beauty. How wonderful you are able to attend lectures about St. David's Cathedral. I would just love that! We learned many cathedrals and castles evolved over the years. So many changes to these ancient structures and they still survive speaks to the original construction. Just mind boggling to comprehend! xoxo ♥

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  10. Absolutely beautiful! I really enjoy these posts and all you share on your travels. I hope to one day be able to do the same. :-) Hope your week is off to a great start!

    blessings,
    Jill

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    1. Thank you, Jill. We enjoy traveling very much and are so blessed to be able to do so. I wish the same for you! ♥

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  11. I can just imagine the majestic organ music filling that old building! Such a trip you and Grayden had . . . a beautiful way to celebrate your fifty years and make new memories!

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    1. Cheryl, the pipe organ music ringing throughout the cathedral bought tears of joy to both of us. It was a very special spiritual experience we will not forget. ♥

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  12. This looks like a wonderful place to visit! I've been to London only so for next time I will try to visit England all over.

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    1. We have not visited London. The British countryside has our hearts. ♥

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  13. I've not visited Durham, so it was so very interesting to see your photographs and read your words.
    You really did have a wonderful Anniversary trip.

    Thought your quiche and salad looked tasty :)

    All the best Jan

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    1. I think you would enjoy visiting Durham, Jan. It's a lovely city with many more things to see and study than we had the time to do. The quiche was delicious! ♥

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  14. What an imposing, impressive building. Looks like a lovely town to visit.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Durham is a place I'd love to return to one day, Amalia. xo ♥

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  15. Another delightful post Martha Ellen. Durham certainly is a beautiful city with its magnificent old buildings, places of worship and old statues. The flowers are lovely, your meal looked yummy, and a very nice photo of you too. A special way to celebrate your Golden Anniversary and I am so glad it was a great trip. Thank you for sharing and have a great weekend :)

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    1. Denise, Durham was a lovely city that really impressed us. Our Golden Anniversary trip was beyond wonderful. Thank you for your kind comments and I hope you are enjoying the weekend as well! ♥

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  16. What a grand Cathedral. How wonderful to be inside and see the light shine through those beautiful stained glass windows with the organ playing. I can just imagine.
    Your quiche looks to be a cheese? Looks so good!
    What beauty surrounds with the gorgeous baskets of flowers and fine old stone walls and buildings.
    Happy Sunday
    Betsy

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    1. Oh Betsy, Durham Cathedral touched our hearts very deeply. The whole city of Durham is lovely!
      My quiche was cheese and very yummy and huge! The cheese in Britain is wonderfully delicious.
      Thank you for visiting today. Have a happy week! ♥

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  17. Oh wow....so pretty. Thanks for sharing your trip with us and thanks for stopping by the blog while I was out and about and leaving such a sweet comment.

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  18. What a beautiful cathedral building, and all those gorgeous flowers! Wow, your 50th anniversary trip was so memorable, Martha Ellen.

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    1. It was so wonderful, Pat! Thank you for stopping by today. I hope your week is going well. ♥

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  19. I've been to many cathedrals in our country but not this one. It is certainly magnificent. The University is one of the best in the country too.
    I'm glad you enjoyed your anniversary trip to England

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting, Sue. We loved our visit to your beautiful country. It holds a very special place in my heart! ♥

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  20. Martha, I *love* this post! Thank you for taking me on a mini-vacation to Durham this morning. When I visited my ancestral homes (cumbria, Lancashire, West Yorkshire), I should have made a side trip to Durham.

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    1. Jean, if you go back I'm sure you would enjoy a side trip to Durham. It's beautiful! ♥

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  21. Your photos are beautiful and what a storied history. I think I should like to find this one very much.

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    1. Durham is more special than one can imagine, Jeanie! I hope you make a visit someday to see for yourself! ♥

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