Durham's 11th century Norman
Cathedral was built between 1096 and 1130 and is a truly great building.
After the Dark Ages in Europe,
the 7th Century saw a flowering of thought and culture in the North East of
England.
Bede - poet, scientist, historian
and the greatest European scholar of the 7th century - is buried in Durham, as
is St Cuthbert, who established 'English' Christianity from its Celtic and
Roman roots. The Lindisfarne Gospels were produced nearby and resided in Durham
with the body of St Cuthbert until the 16th century when they were removed to
London - the 'Gospel Book' is returning to Durham in 2013.
The 'Cuthbert Community' became
one of the richest in Europe, with lands extending from the Tyne to the Tees
and beyond. This scholarly, monastic community was a precursor of the modern
University tradition which spread across Europe and around the world.
Durham Castle, now part of the
University, dates from 1072 and was the seat of the all-powerful Prince-Bishops
who wielded secular and religious power over much of the North of England, with
their own armies, system of taxation and coinage - until the end of the
Prince-Bishopric in 1832, Durham was effectively a state within a state.
On Friday 11th May (Day 109) I
walked at St Mary’s College, Durham University
http://www.dur.ac.uk/st-marys.college/ St Mary's College is a college of the
University of Durham. Following the grant of a supplemental charter in 1895
allowing women to receive degrees of the university, St Mary's was founded as
the Women's Hostel in 1899, adopting its present name in May 1920. They say
that it is arguably the most aesthetically pleasing of the Durham Hill
Colleges; I agree. St Mary’s College has a proud and distinguished history and
it was a privilege for me to be given permission to visit and be given
permission to walk around the grounds.
St Mary’s College opened its
doors to men in October 2005 and since then has become one of the best Colleges
in Durham for men and women who have a heart for justice and equality between
human beings of all races and all socio-economic backgrounds. It is proud of
the diversity of its staff and students and strives to inspire all who enter
its doors with a belief in their own potential, not only in the world of
academia, but in many walks of life.
St Mary’s College stands as a
testimony to the courage and faithfulness of the men and women who pioneered
university education for women in Durham. I’m sincerely grateful to Stephen
Tindale and Rebecca Topping for the opportunity to spend time at St Mary’s
College and following my time there, look forward to returning and having the
opportunity to meet more students, staff and exploring another BRIT University
relationship.
I finished the day with 1196
miles to go.
Best wishes,
Phil
Best wishes,
Phil