Durham’s historic footpaths restored

A well-known historic route in Durham City has been restored following extensive refurbishment.

Durham County Council has completed work on North and South Bailey, known collectively as The Bailey, which derives its name from the outer bailey of the Norman motte-and-bailey Durham Castle, running from Prebends Bridge past Durham Cathedral and many of Durham University’s colleges and buildings.

The council has carefully laid natural stone footpaths and kerbs, replacing the cobbles and resurfacing the carriageway while preserving as much original material as possible to “ensure the longevity of the street and its character”.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the project’s completion, attended by council members and representatives from Durham Cathedral and Durham University.

Councillor John Shuttleworth, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for highways, rural communities and community safety, said: “This event marks a significant milestone in preserving the heritage and improving the infrastructure of The Bailey.

“As a high footfall area and close to university buildings, The Bailey is a popular path leading to Prebends Bridge and the riverbanks. 

“Therefore, we’ve carefully carried out this work to restore the footpaths and cobbled carriageway to ensure the longevity of the street and its character.”

The council has also restored the South Bailey sewer gas destructor lamp, invented by Joseph Edmund Webb in the 1890s, which was designed to burn off dangerous sewer gases such as methane.

While Webb was from Birmingham, many of his lights were installed in the North East and can also be seen in Whitley Bay, Monkseaton and Blyth.

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