Durham is a great example of a mediaeval city, dominated by the cathedral, which stands on a rock high above the River Wear.

This city was the seat of power for the so called Prince Bishops, who were clergy appointed by Norman kings to keep control over the northern part of their kingdom. They feared the area was too near Scotland and would be a potential target for the Scots.
For years the Prince Bishops effectively had control of the area to the extent that they had their own armies, collected taxes and had their own mint.

Echoes of their importance can be seen in the cathedral and castle, both of which are well worth visiting.
Since 1836 the Castle has also been the home of Durham's University College, the foundation college of England's third oldest University.