What did it look like?

Image of Durham Market Place dated 1830. (Image from DUL, ref Gibby B 28). Click on image to enlarge.

The Market Place in Durham was established in its current position in medieval times. However, just because it has always been in one place doesn’t mean that it has always looked the same. We’re going to look at some images of the Market Place to see how it’s appearance has changed in the past 200 years.

This first image dates from 1830, which is just before Queen Victoria came to the throne. Have a close look and then try to answer the questions below. You will be able to use your answers to help you see how it changes in appearance.

What is the name of the church?

Does the church have a spire or a steeple?

What can you see in front of the church? Can you think of what it might have been used for? Remember that this is a Market Place.

Can you see anything behind the church?

Can you tell whether any of the other buildings in the Market Place are shops? Why/why not?

What other structure can you see in the Market Place? Can you see what is on top of it?

Photograph showing Durham Market Place, c1870. (DUL Ref: Gibby City/A/16). Click on image to enlarge.

This photograph of the Market Place was taken sometime around 1870. Take a good look at it and then answer the questions below. An enlarged version of the image is also available to help you see the details more clearly.

Does the church have a spire or a steeple?

What can you see in front of the church?

Can you see anything behind the church?

Can you tell whether any of the other buildings in the Market Place are shops? Why/why not?

What other structures can you see in the Market Place?

Do you think that the Market Place has changed in appearance?

Photograph of Durham Market Place, c1910. (DUL ref: Gibby City/A/99). Click on image to enlarge.

This photograph was taken around 1910, only forty years after the previous photograph was taken. What has changed? What has stayed the same? Answer the questions below to help you find out how the Market Place’s appearance has changed. You can use the enlarged version of the image to help you see the detail.

Does the church have a spire or a steeple?

What can you see in front of the church?

Can you see anything behind the church?

Can you tell whether any of the other buildings in the Market Place are shops? Why/why not?

What other structures can you see in the Market Place? Have they changed in appearance?

Do you think that the Market Place has changed in appearance?

Finished? Why not find out why the Market Place developed where it did?