Malcolm Armsteen wrote:
Yes, many times. Our library was the next building, on the Cathedral Green...
I used to enjoy to walk on the Bailey and look back, or just sit in the cathedral cloister, or in the churchyard. I loved the permanent surprise of coming up Bow Lane and having the Cathedral loom over me. I loved going to the weir on the Wear and taking endless photos of the cathedral and castle...
There was a teashop in Sadler Street that I liked. Or may have been Silver Street. The university robemaker was in Sadler street, and had watercolours of every academic distinction round the walls. The Dun Cow and the Royal County - seeing a Labour Prime minister standing on the balcony acknowledging the colliery banners on the day of the Gala - when there were still pits.
At one time I could go anywhere in the city using only back alleys.
I loved it, and I wish I was still there sometimes.
I'm ashamed to say that I've never been inside Durham castle despite living here for nearly 11 years, on the occasions I've tried it's always been closed to visitors for one reason or another. I must make the effort to go round it before I leave.
Durham's a lovely city to look around as a tourist and felt like home as soon as I arrived. In some ways it reminds me of Oxford and Guildford (two places I've previously lived). My favourite view of the city is from the lane down the hill to Old Durham (just south of Gilesgate) which I often cycle.
It brings you out by the river which is a very pleasant approach to the city.
I've been to the Miner's Gala a few times but the days of Labour leaders turning up are sadly, like the miners, long gone.
It annoys me a bit as a shopping centre Story, all the usual shops are there but such tiny branches. I usually go up to the Metro or down to Teesside for serious shopping.
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