Durham University

1. Durham University A brief Overview

2. History • The early history of Durham extends back to 2000 b.c. and it became the centre of North England’s religious life in 1092 with the completion of its fine Norman Cathedral. • Durham is (debatably) the 3rd oldest university in the country after Oxford and Cambridge, founded in 1832. • Its motto “Fundamenta eius super montibus sanctis” is translated as ‘her foundations are set upon the Holy hills’ in reference to its religious establishment. • Durham is a collegiate university with 16 different colleges; all with their own traditions, colours and notable alumni.

3. Durham University Trivia • The name "Durham" comes from Old English "dun-holm", meaning "hill-island". It was given this name due to its steep, hilly embankments. • The university was shortlisted by the Sunday Times for ‘University of the Year’ in 2004, winning the prestigious award in 2005. • Graduates of Durham do not wear the customary mortarboards after the men of the university threw theirs into the river in protest at the inclusion of women in the 1800s. • Durham Cathedral and University college were used as venues for the recent set of Harry Potter films. • Notable Durham alumni include the world famous botanist David Bellamy OBE, poet William Wordsworth, three times Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Jonathan Edwards and none other than James Bond, Roger Moore!!