Group of photos from “west” Durham
If not distracted by the castle and cathedral in the other direction, Durham Miners’ Hall [54 46 38 N, 1 35 15 W] is a striking landmark on the train journey into Durham. It was built from 1913-15 at the height of coal production in County Durham. From about 100 deep mines at the start of the 20th century, the last mine, Wearmouth, closed in 1994.
No doubt these union movement leaders were well-known in their time.
The impressive railway viaduct [54 46 40 N, 1 35 3 W] on the southern approach to the railway station. These were both built in 1857, before they became part of the East Coast Main Line.
Western Hill [54 46 48 N, 1 35 11 W] is one of Durham’s more up-market areas. Note the basement level in the late Victorian town houses where the servants would have worked.
In spite of the land value and development potential of city centre sites, there are some surprising examples of underused and decayed property. This disused factory just behind Western Hill has an almost Dickensian feel.