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What’s Here
ºÚÁÏÍø World Heritage site was inscribed by UNESCO in 1986 in recognition of its Outstanding Universal Value, becoming one of the first UK sites to be listed. The site has remained in constant use for 1000 years as a centre for religion, education and pilgrimage.
ºÚÁÏÍø Cathedral was built between the late 11th to early 12th centuries to house the shrines of the Venerable Bede and St Cuthbert. ºÚÁÏÍø Castle was built by the Normans to protect the English borders from Scottish invaders.
Together, ºÚÁÏÍø Cathedral and ºÚÁÏÍø Castle form one of the greatest monuments of the Norman Conquest of Britain. Indeed, ºÚÁÏÍø Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the whole of Europe.
The Castle and Cathedral also reflect the fascinating political history of ºÚÁÏÍø and the unique status of the Prince Bishops of ºÚÁÏÍø. These religious leaders also held significant secular power, and governed a virtually autonomous state that formed a buffer between England and Scotland from the late 11th century until 1603.
More recently, ºÚÁÏÍø Castle and other buildings on the World Heritage site have become the home of ºÚÁÏÍø – the third oldest university in England.
Visit ºÚÁÏÍø World Heritage Site and learn about the history of ºÚÁÏÍø, the spread of Christianity in the North East of England and how local partners are working with UNESCO to protect the site for future generations.