Other than passing through on the train, I'd never been to Durham before our visit there on Saturday. Go if you get the chance - it's beautiful and fascinating.
Above is the Sanctuary Knocker on the cathedral's north door; it's a replica of the original (which is displayed inside), and would have been used by anyone escaping the law and seeking 37 days' sanctuary within the building.
Here is the cathedral on its steep peninsula in a loop of the River Wear.
Whoever planted and tends this border has made the most of a very narrow space in Bow Lane leading up towards Palace Green.
I could have taken many more pictures had I had the time to stand and stare, and with video I could have shared the rather surreal sight and sound of a brass band rehearsing on the green in foot-tapping style, playing Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder while the cathedral bells just yards away pealed out for a wedding.
Durham's lovely isn't it? i spent a couple of weeks there once.
Posted by: craftygreenpoet | 24 September 2012 at 03:02 PM
What a lovely place! And I love the door knocker. I wonder how it would look on my door...
Posted by: Heather | 24 September 2012 at 06:56 PM
Beautiful place!
Posted by: Cornflower | 24 September 2012 at 09:23 PM
It's quite distinctive, isn't it?
Posted by: Cornflower | 24 September 2012 at 09:24 PM
The knocker has a wonderfully striking and sinuous design. I wonder when the original was made: 12th century, maybe? It reminds me of Viking design but I couldn't find its age mentioned on the Durham site.
Posted by: Dancing Beastie | 25 September 2012 at 03:55 PM