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ABOUT
Usually, it is the place of administrative and judicial functions of that County but because of boundary changes and various political reforms over the years this isn’t always the case
Prior to 1889, there were 39 Historic County Towns in England. Later reforms in 1889,1964 and 1974 have increased the number.
The walk passes through 48 towns and cities beginning with Truro in Cornwall and ending eventually in Morpeth Northumberland
Walking the county towns
NEWCASTLE upon TYNE
Railway passengers over Stephenson’s High-Level Bridge see the 82ft keep of the Norman Castle built in 1172. The Cathedral Church of St Nicholas Current building was begun in 1350 and aquired Cathedral status in 1882
DURHAM
Founded in 995 by Anglo-Saxon monks and built and surrounded by three sides on the River Wear. Seeking a safe place from Viking raids and to house the relics of St Cuthbert, the tomb of which is still in the cathedral which was begun in 1093. Durham castle was built around 1070 on the narrow neck of land which once guarded the approach to the city.
CARLISLE
Once a Roman camp, Luguvalium, and known in the Borderlands as ‘Carel’ was last captured during the Jacobite rising of 1745. The church begun in 1130 became Carlisle’s cathedral in 1133 The castle was begun under William II and later added to by David I when he captured it in the 12th century and later extended by Henry VIII
NORTHALLERTON
The town, which has had a settlement on since Roman times is known as the capital of North Yorkshire. Its position on a major route between Edinburgh and London meant it was an important stopping point for coaches before the railway, but this position also meant it has seen conflict many times over the years, either by William the Conquers avenging forces or from invading Scot’s from North of the border
The County Towns
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