History and Heritage

As befits a region which was the exclusive domain of the mighty Prince Bishops' for centuries, County Durham's history and heritage is truly rich in all senses of the word: in its diversity; in its far-reaching importance and in the sheer amount of awe-inspiring architecture, engineering and priceless treasures that have survived to enthral visitors today.

The Dere Street Trail follows the main Roman highway built in AD80 as a supply route from York to the armies in Scotland. It links the county's three forts of Binchester - where you can see the best-preserved Roman bath house in Britain - Ebchester, and Lanchester. The latter two have no public access but an illustrated board beside each site explains different aspects of their history.

The region's spiritual atmosphere is largely due to the vital role played in our history by religion, ever since the monks fleeing with St. Cuthbert's body from Viking invasion on Lindisfarne received divine instruction that Durham was to be his final resting place. The ruined abbeys of Finchale and Egglestone, Escomb's tiny Saxon church, Auckland Castle and, of course, the magnificent Cathedral all pay testament to the passion of our early Christian ancestors, as well as to the enduring craftsmanship of their Saxon, Norman and Medieval stonemasons.

During the industrial revolution the now peaceful Dales rang with the clatter of lead mining for the manufacture of pipes and roofs - the Weardale Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the miners' lives - and as far back as the 18th century steel was being made at Derwentcote, where an authentic furnace can still be viewed. Meanwhile, it was to transport another of its exports - coal - that the region became the cradle of the railway. The Tanfield Railway near Stanley is the world's oldest existing line, and you can explore the story further at Locomotion, the national Railway Museum at Shildon, which houses over 60 vehicles. Plan your itinerary so you don't miss a moment!