Christmas Tree and Architecture in Durham Cathedral

Tales of The Riverbank in Durham (and more)

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We managed to haul ourselves out of the house today – 12th December 2022. It was pretty bleak, about -1 degC and there had been another dusting of snow overnight.

Starting in the town at Framwelgate Bridge, we headed south, passing the Fulling Mill on the opposite side of the river and the Wear, and then over Prebends Bridge to the Cathedral. This side of the river has the best views of the Cathedral on top of the peninsula.

Durham Cathedral in the mist
Durham Cathedral looms in the mist

 

The walk took us past the huge monolithic bulk of Durham Cathedral on the Peninsula on the other side of the river. The towers were just scraping the cloud as it was just a couple of hundred feet above being fog. Our fingers had already started turning numb by then, and taking gloves off to take photographs became a pain, but needs must.

Looking toward The Fulling Mill in the snow
Looking toward The Fulling Mill in the snow

 

The Fulling Mill was still wearing its ‘snow hat’, the conditions being so cold that little melting was happening. Little melting was happening in my soul either. The situation was beautifully bleak.

Snow covered log floating in the river
Snow covered log floating in the river

 

Even the logs floating in the river had a layer of snow, with just the signs of the birds feet, leaving evidence that wildlife still thrives in the river when the weather turns bleak. I have seen Cormorants here, Otters swimming and even the odd Kingfisher adding a flash of colour as it zooms by.

The weir, boathouses and Prebends Bridge in the snow
The weir, boathouses and Prebends Bridge in the snow

 

The boat houses and the weir looked very wintry indeed, with the usual pile of trees behind the weir to the right of the photograph. It’s a continual struggle on behalf of the Council to keep the river clear, with each spell of heavy rain bringing more flotsam and jetsam down into the city. There are three main areas it collects: (1) here, (2) on the main weir and fish ladder just up from Millburngate Bridge, and (3) on the piers in front of the ancient Elvet Bridge.

Looking back to the weir, with the Durham Cathedral in the mist
Looking back to the weir, with the Fulling Mill and Durham Cathedral in the mist

 

Here, looking back slightly, we can see how the Cathedral towers have started to vanish into the mist as the distance increases. The top of the central tower is almost completely gone, almost a ‘Stairway to Heaven’.

The Christmas tree inside Durham Cathedral
The Christmas tree inside Durham Cathedral

 

It was a welcome respite when we crossed the river via Prebends Bridge and walked into the South Bailey, around the back of the Cathedral (a very pretty and tranquil place) and inside the main building. The huge Christmas tree dominated and donated presents could be seen under it. All very festive in the run up to the big day. A chance to thaw out a little, and contemplate on things.

The DLI Memorial Chapel inside Durham Cathedral
The DLI Memorial Chapel inside Durham Cathedral

 

I always like to pop around the corner and pay my respects at the DLI Chapel. The wreathes were all still there from the previous months Remembrance Day. The ancient regimental colours protect the wooden cross and offerings below.

Plant growing on the wall on Palace Green with Durham Castle in the background
Plant growing on the wall on Palace Green with Durham Castle in the background

 

Lastly, a shot from Palace Green. Looking up towards Durham Castle, I spotted this growing out of the wall, rooted in the joint crack between the cap stones. Perhaps a learned reader might be able to advise what it is? I’m no gardener, so any help would be appreciated here.

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