IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
The Paddock, DURHAM, DH7 0HW

Entering the village on the B6301.

Beside Ford Road, on the south side of the village. The housing estate on Durham Road in the background.

Carved stone post by the B6296, in parish of LANCHESTER (DERWENTSIDE District), Cadger Bank, above stone wall, on North West side of road. Durham numbers stone, erected by the Lobley Hill & branches turnpike trust in the 18th century. Inscription reads:- 14 (9) (To Newcastle and Wolsingham) Milestone Society National ID: DU_GHWO14.

Looking east down Cadger Bank, the route of the B6296 leading into the village from the west.

Off the B6301.

This engraved stone stands beside the Lanchester Valley Walk at the point where it crosses the B6296, near the centre of the village. It is a very accurate portrait of a 1st or 2nd century Roman legionary in full marching order. Looking at all the kit he's carrying, you can see how they acquired the mule nickname. Marius was a general who reformed the Roman army in the 1st century BC to make it a more professional force. Among other things he made the soldiers carry much of their gear instead of having a large baggage train, which slowed their mobility.

This carved pole features a couple of creepy-crawlies and stands beside the Lanchester Valley Railway Path (National Cycle Network, route 14). This path, one of many railway paths in County Durham, follows the line of an old railway from Consett to Durham. The railway was opened in 1862, closed to passengers in 1939 and finally closed in 1965.

The village of Lanchester lies at the foot of the descent apparently in the valley of the River Browney yet it's the Smallhope Burn which actually flows through the village. The blue and yellow road sign is characteristic of a style of signage introduced by County Durham some years ago.

A memorial stone commemorating the Roman links with Lanchester. Longovicium was an auxiliary fort located on Dere Street, a major Roman road running from York to Hadrian'sWall and beyond. The stone stands beside the Lanchester Valley Railway Path (National Cycle Network, route 14) one of many railway paths in County Durham, which follows the line of an old railway from Consett to Durham. The railway was opened in 1862, closed to passengers in 1939 and finally closed in 1965.

View SE, towards Durham: ex-NER Durham - Consett/Blackhill line, closed to passengers 1/5/39, to goods 5/7/65. (Cf. Image]).