For around a thousand years Silver Street, leading from the market place down to Framwellgate Bridge, has been one of Durham’s principal streets.

From the centre of the city, it leads to the splendid cathedral and castle views of the bridge after passing maybe forty or so potential outlets along the way on what is a relatively short stretch of street.  

In years gone by Silver Street no doubt thrived with pilgrims, inns and taverns, and today it remains both a busy shopping street and link through the city.

In early 2022 the Echo published a special report by historian David Simpson, who was saddened by the state of this historic road.

Boarded up shops dominated the run-down-feeling street, he said.

But in the last year-or-so new openings have been welcomed to the street and plans for a STACK leisure venue in the former M&S store bring hope it could be revived and be given a new sense of life.

We’ve taken a look back through The Northern Echo’s archives to show you how Silver Street looked through the years...

The Northern Echo: The cobbled Silver Street pictured in the 1920s.The cobbled Silver Street pictured in the 1920s. (Image: ARCHIVE)

The Northern Echo: Buses carry passengers down Silver Street.Buses carry passengers down Silver Street. (Image: |Picture: Gilesgate Archive (Michael Richardson))

The Northern Echo: A bustling Silver Street in May 1975.A bustling Silver Street in May 1975.

The Northern Echo: Shoppers in Durham hope to find a bargain on Christmas Eve, 1997.Shoppers in Durham hope to find a bargain on Christmas Eve, 1997. (Image: BRIAN CLOUGH)

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The Northern Echo: Orange and T-Mobile were next door neighbours on Silver Street before they merged on the day this photo was taken in 2009.Orange and T-Mobile were next door neighbours on Silver Street before they merged on the day this photo was taken in 2009. (Image: NNP)

The Northern Echo: Works to re-pave the iconic road were carried out in 2010.Works to re-pave the iconic road were carried out in 2010. (Image: ANDY LAMB)

The Northern Echo: Silver Street in 2013.Silver Street in 2013. (Image: TOM BANKS)

The Northern Echo: M&S on Silver Street in 2017. The store is now at the centre of plans for a STACK venue.M&S on Silver Street in 2017. The store is now at the centre of plans for a STACK venue. (Image: TOM BANKS)