AN illustrated trail booklet has been developed to guide people through Durham City’s mining past – allowing them to explore some of the city’s industrial heritage.

The guide’s easy to follow map, which has been produced by the Durham Energy Institute researchers, highlights important landmarks that provide insights into the culture and experiences of the past. 

Across a distance of two miles, taking in some little-known corners of Durham, the walk takes approximately an hour to complete.

Read more: Detectorist's amazing finds take us back to Durham's mining past

Where sections of the route are difficult or impassable for people with restricted mobility, the guide provides alternative directions, so everyone can still enjoy the trail.

From the earliest period of the Industrial Revolution, developments in Durham City played a significant part in the economic and political transformation of North East England.

Major changes in Durham occurred that dramatically altered its environment, social composition and the preoccupations of its inhabitants during this time.

The Northern Echo: In its heyday, mining and coal production was important to both the City of Durham and the wider North East.In its heyday, mining and coal production was important to both the City of Durham and the wider North East.

The project, ‘Coal Stories’, reprises this story through a walking tour designed to reflect the lives of Durham’s expanding population, and the altered character of their city, and how people in the time of mining lived and worked.

The trail takes visitors around Durham City’s historic landmarks, such as the Miners Association’s Pitman’s Parliament and the St Margaret’s Allotments and nearby alleyways to find hidden gems.

The guide provides fascinating insights through stories connected to each location of how coal once shaped the lives of Durham’s citizens and of its legacy in the present.

The Northern Echo: Left: Professor Sandra Bell, who was a major figure in the production of the guide. Right: The front cover of the 'Coal Stories' book.Left: Professor Sandra Bell, who was a major figure in the production of the guide. Right: The front cover of the 'Coal Stories' book.

The guide was produced by Professor Sandra Bell (Anthropology) and Dr Adrian Green (History). It builds on walking tours they developed for students and visitors. Durham City Trust contributed to the printing costs and proceeds will go to the Durham Mining Museum at Spennymoor.

Professor Sandra Bell said: “We began our walks with students so they could explore the industrial history of the city, which is not as immediately apparent as earlier stages of the city’s past. 

“They were surprised at all there is to be discovered, much of it hidden in plain sight.  Staff joined too and encouraged us to produce a pocket-sized illustrated book and to make the trail accessible to people with varying levels of mobility.”

The newly produced guides can be found in Durham Cathedral Bookshop, Discovering Durham (Prince Bishops shopping centre), Durham Museum and Heritage Centre (South Bailey) and The Durham Mining Museum at Spennymoor Town Hall.

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