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Durham is located in the north east part of England on the River Wear approximately 24 kilometers south of Newcastle upon Tyne. It is the seat of the county that bears it's name. The area is known as the "Land of the Prince Bishops" because for centuries it was ruled by prince-bishops.
The City began in 995 on the Island Hill peninsula. Today the two main tourist attractions are Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral. The castle was built in 1072. Originally a defensive fortress offering protection from Scotland, today, part is used as a dormitory for the University of Durham. Durham Cathedral began in 1093 and took 200 years to build. It is a magnificent example of Norman architecture and one of the most notable Romanesque buildings in Europe.
Today Durham is a small university town with an estimate population in 1992 of 87,700. Although there are numerous hills, it is quite easy to walk around. In addition to the scenery provided by the castle and cathedral, there are scenic nature walks along the River Wear at the foot of Island Hill. Both hockey groups were impressed by the City and the hospitality of it's people. If you like to learn more about the history and attractions in the area, visit the county's web site at www.countydurham.com.
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