The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham, usually known as Durham Cathedral, occupies a strategic position on a promontory high above the River Wear. The present cathedral was founded in AD 1093, replacing the 10th century "White Church".
The cathedral is a major tourist attraction within the region, the central tower of 217 feet providing views of Durham and the surrounding area. It is a grade I listed building (English Heritage List Entry Number: 1161023 Link Heritage Gateway).
NZ2742 : The 3rd Marquis of Londonderry (and 2 monkeys) Schoolboy legend in County Durham had it that the Italian sculptor was so proud of his work that he declared it 'perfect'. Then, when some waif pointed out the horse had no tongue, he committed suicide! Since then Durham University students have been known to paint the poor creature red on 'Rag Day'.