A significant item of Durham City’s heritage has been refurbished and enhanced for future generations to enjoy.
To mark 675 years since the Battle of Neville’s Cross, Durham County Council has worked in partnership with the City of Durham Parish Council to preserve the appearance of the Neville’s Cross monument.
The monument, which sits opposite St John’s Church at the west end of Crossgate Peth, was first erected by Sir Ralph Neville to commemorate England’s victory against an invading Scottish army in October 1346.
Despite the cross being destroyed in 1589, the base of the monument remained intact and was moved a short distance to its present location in 1903.
With funding from the county council’s Section 106 planning budget, a programme of works has been carried out to refurbish it, including: the repointing of the monument; the removal of surrounding vegetation; the repainting of the railings which protect the monument and the installation of a new information panel.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We are pleased to have been able to fund the conservation of such a vital part of our heritage. The Battle of Neville’s Cross is a notable event in the city’s history and it is important that we work together to commemorate this.
“Celebrating our heritage and ensuring these items are protected for future generations is crucial as we finalise our bid to be named UK City of Culture 2025. Engaging future generations is something we are already focusing on through this project. Local schools have taken part in our fabulous art competition and residents have also enjoyed a guided walk of the battlefield with a local historian.”
Cllr Alan Doig, Chair of the City of Durham Parish Council, said: “We are delighted to work in partnership with Durham County Council to mark this important anniversary in our parish.
“This has been a real community effort following our successful application for funding to the county council. We all place great important on our heritage and I hope residents in the Neville’s Cross area are pleased with the restorative work which has been carried out.”
