Scheduled monuments in County Durham explained

There are 292 scheduled monuments in County Durham, in North East England.[1] These protected sites date from the Neolithic period in some cases and include barrows, a medieval hospital, ancient Roman sites, castle ruins, Iron Age forts, bridges and Anglo-Saxon crosses.[2] In the United Kingdom, the scheduling of monuments was first initiated to ensure the preservation of "nationally important" archaeological sites or historic buildings. Protection is given to scheduled monuments under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.[3]

Notable scheduled monuments in County Durham

ImageNameLocationDateNotes
early 12th century ADIn 1474, Richard, Duke of Gloucester (later Richard III became lord of the castle by right of his wife, Anne Neville. It was of his favourite residences.[4]
Binchester Roman FortBishop Auckland79ADThe fort was established to guard the crossing of the River Wear by Dere Street, the main Roman road between York, Hadrian's Wall and Scotland.
Bowes CastleBowes12th century ADBuilt on the site of the former Roman fort of Lavatrae. Bowes is the first of three Norman castles on the Stainmore Pass.
Kepier HospitalKepier1112 ADOriginally known as the Hospital of St Giles, established as an almshouse for old men in 1112 AD.
LongoviciumLanchester2nd century ADMost of what is known about the site has been determined from studying the large number of altars, dedication slabs and a milestone dedicated to emperor Gordian III uncovered half a mile away from the fort.[5]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: List Search for County Durham Scheduled monuments . Historic England . 28 January 2023.
  2. Web site: Scheduled Ancient Monuments in the Historic County of Dorset . Ancient Monuments UK . 28 January 2023.
  3. Web site: Scheduled Monuments . Historic England . 28 January 2023.
  4. Web site: The Castle, Barnard Castle, Durham . Historic England . 28 January 2023.
  5. Web site: Longovicium (Lanchester) Vicus . Roman Britain . 28 January 2023.