A watercolour of Durham Cathedral's impressive door.
 
Durham Cathedral’s history is deeply intertwined with the story of St Cuthbert and the early Christian community in northern England. After St Cuthbert’s death in 687, his remains became objects of veneration. Following repeated Viking raids, monks carried his coffin across northern England for over a century, eventually settling in Durham in 995. 
 
Interestingly it was built slightly north at a wider section of the river to maximize the picturesque views of the cathedral. Trees were also planted along the banks to enhance the Romantic landscape, reflecting the tastes of the late eighteenth century..J.M.W. Turner loved this spot. A simple wooden church was first erected over St Cuthbert’s grave, replaced by a stone church in 1018, which soon attracted pilgrims and led to the growth of the city of Durham.
Durham Cathedral stands out as an outstanding example of Romanesque architecture 
 
Interesting facts...
 
The cathedral contains secret areas, such as the Chapter House (used for monastic meetings and famously a Harry Potter filming location), and even a prison discovered during excavations, reflecting the need for discipline in the monastic community