IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Ford Street, DURHAM, DH7 0SQ

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.

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.

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 is the road on the left, at the junction with Front Street on the right. Sadly, there is no longer a station, or a railway.

Seen in the car park at the back of the Kings Head pub I was attracted to these doors by their contrasting styles. Both open onto the pub car park and I suspect they hide a storage facility for the publican. The green door is full of character; it is old and neglected but nevertheless its original purpose remains. The white door however is a mass-produced, powder coated newcomer of a type seen on housing estates throughout the land. A sort of up-and-over, in-your-face chav of a door. But each exist side by side quite happily guarding their secrets. This supplemental shot aimed to add variety to a square already possessing several Geograph images.

View SE towards Durham, on the then freight-only (since 2/5/39) Durham - Blackhill ex-NER line, which remained for freight until 5/7/65. The SLS West Durham Rail Tour is head by Thompson-design K1 2-6-0 No. 62059 (built 12/59, withdrawn 2/67 - a short life).

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