DURHAM CATHEDRAL - American visits Durham #england

After a few challenges, we made it back to Durham Cathedral! This historic cathedral is uniquely important because of it’s incredible history, architecture, beauty, and religious significance. Come along as we tour the cathedral and learn about what makes it so special! And also… check out Ian’s amazing drone photography of the cathedral, city, and surrounding area.
Check below for the chapters in the video and to see links to other videos!
Please SUBSCRIBE to be a part of the Magenta Otter Tribe and join us for our travel adventures, taste tests, and discussions of British culture. Thanks so much for your support! Cheers! XX Dara
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
4:18 Architecture
7:13 St Cuthbert
9:37 Powerful Prince Bishops
10:56 St Bede
12:27 The American Connection - The Washingtons
13:34 Other Sights in the Cathedral
Important Links:
MUSIC in all my videos is found on Epidemic Sound. Check it out here and get a FREE MONTH TRIAL: www.epidemicsound.com/referral/kp9onq
CHECK OUT AWESOME DJI MAVIC DRONES LIKE OURS HERE: click.dji.com/AGxcGXRh9eGGtVRzABVwrw?pm=link
If you love cathedrals, don’t miss my Gloucester Cathedral video referenced in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZfZnp6ehtSqnpo
My Northumberland playlist is here: kzbin.info/aero/PLOedWVhYewAUqvRDVs5VqbfCr3TJgfB_w
#durham #durhamcathedral #stcuthbert #stbede

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

To see another FAVOURITE cathedral of mine, check out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZfZnp6ehtSqnpo

[@neilgayleard3842]

If you're still in the area go to the Northumberland cheese company.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@neilgayleard3842 I am back in Cheltenham now. But we will have to put that on the list for our next trip to Northumbria 👍

[@neilgayleard3842]

Check out the website, they deliver. They also do chunty and biscuits to go with the cheese..

[@megane230f1]

love durham i dont live very far from there, got to love messing around with a drone use a mavic air 2 myself im surprised nothing was said about you flying it near durham prison

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@megane230f1 we find the Mavic is usually pretty good about telling you which air space is restricted. Ian does the flying… But I didn’t even know there was a prison around there!

[@pamelagardner4681]

My late husband served with the Durham Light Infantry 61-68. I often go and sit in the DLI chapel and remember all our happy times.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

What a touching story! Thanks so much for sharing that with me. Even though I'm not Anglican, I love visiting cathedrals and churches because in addition to being beautiful and historic, they are also peaceful places conducive to meditation and prayer. I think it's wonderful that you have that special place to go for honouring and remembering your husband. Bless you. XX Dara

[@johnadey3696]

Wonderful photography and excellent commentary - thank you!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much! I was chuffed that Ian got such lovely drone footage!

[@Kevin-mx1vi]

For any visitor to England, Durham Cathedral is an absolute "must see". The building itself is literally jaw-dropping, then add the historical and spiritual importance of Saint Cuthbert's shrine and Bede's tomb. If you're lucky you may catch the choir during practice, which is a fantastic experience.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I agree. And I wish I had been able to hear the choir perform! And the organ! Thanks very much for your comment! Cheers! Dara

[@StephenandAndie]

You’re not kidding about the drone photography - Ian, that opening shot!!!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much! It looks much more impressive with the drone crash into the mud edited out ;-)

[@ians3586]

Thank you!

[@thewealduk9802]

Best aerial footage of Durham I have seen. A gem of a city and World Heritage site.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so very much! 🙏 I agree it is an absolute GEM!!💎 Cheers! Dara

[@joannekelly5983]

Love our cathedral

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

It is a TREASURE!💖🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@bobbyxhilone9224]

It's videos like this that make me (yet again) marvel at all the work you put into MOT. The drone footage, regular "ground" filming, pictures, interviews with people who work there, perfect background music, research into all that you are sharing with us -- it is incredible, Dara. So much work, so well done. Thank you, THANK YOU again!! 👍🥰

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Awww, thank YOU for watching! It really is a spectacular place, so it needed a proper video 😉

[@kaylynlu]

As a student of Durham University (and a fellow American!), so grateful to be able to live just down the street from the cathedral and to have the opportunity to sit and write there on a near-daily basis. Thank you so much for the incredible video; best footage I’ve seen of the city yet - especially the drone shots!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Oh wow, thank you SO MUCH! So nice to meet you! If you are a fellow American, I hope you subscribe and chime in on other videos. I love to hear from people who are experiencing Britain as an American! You are so very lucky to be studying at Durham! What are you reading (or majoring in)? Have you been to the Beamish Museum yet? That is my video this Friday! If you know anyone that would enjoy seeing this video of Durham, I would REALLY appreciate you sharing it with them! Cheers! XX Dara

[@kaylynlu]

@@MagentaOtterTravels already subscribed, and definitely will share! I'm studying PPE (Philosophy, Politics & Economics) at Durham, St. John's College specifically. Haven't made it to Beamish yet but it's been on my list for a while now; can't wait to see the video!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@kaylynlu that sounds like a really interesting major! Good for you! I’ve heard such excellent things about Durham University. Well done!👍👍

[@sukottora]

I was a student at Durham 25 years ago, at St Chads Collage, which is next to the Cathedral. I have not been back for a few years, so it is good to see it again. Glad you are enjoying your studies, Kaylyn.

[@RobGotobedsLateShow]

Thanks for another brilliant tour!!😊👍🥰✨

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks Rob!

[@johnritter6864]

I once went up the stairs to the top of the tower. Could feel my legs after that!!!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Sounds like me when I went to the top of the Duomo in Florence. The view was breathtaking... because I could not catch my breath!!!

[@magirusdeutzjupiter2234]

Thank you ever so much for the video of my home area, I can see the cathedral and castle lit up from my house in Whinney Hill.I have been all over the world, many a nice place, but nothing captures my heart than the Durham City cathedral and castle surroundings, I really love it!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I can understand why you do! Such a lovely place! If you are new to my channel, I hope you subscribe and stick around. I have more videos coming up from Durham and Northumberland … as well as some fun videos of Northumbria from last year.😉 Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment! Cheers! Dara

[@robertmiller9887]

just a note from a local, glad you love the cathedral, but when you mention Elvet bridge after prebends, youre actually showing Framwellgate Bridge, Elvet is the other side of the peninsula

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you so much for clarifying that! There are quite a few bridges, and I’m sorry I got them mixed up! I was also told that I pronounced the name of the Prebends Bridge incorrectly? Other than that, I’m so glad that you enjoyed the video! I spent a very long time working on it because I hoped to do justice to that stunning Cathedral! And Durham really is one of my favourite cities to view from the air, so I’m glad my husband captured such beautiful drone photography! If you are new to my channel, I hope you check out some of my other videos from the Northeast. And please subscribe so that you don’t miss upcoming videos of Durham and Northumberland. I would also very much appreciate you sharing this video with anyone else who you think would enjoy it! Cheers! Dara

[@keithweelands5822]

Ian and Dara you are both amazing. Thank you for visiting my area.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

It was our pleasure! We have spent a bit of time in Northumberland and Durham the past two summers, and it only makes us want to keep coming back!

[@DAoutdoors]

Hi there. Wonderful video mate. I’ve never been to Durham cathedral but it looks a might fine place. Something a little different to your normal videos but just as good, and very informative. Thanks for sharing it with us mate. All the best Dave

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much for watching! I am very proud of this video, because it was some of the best drone photography my husband Ian has done...Cheers! Dara

[@tamaracarter1836]

I adore Durham Cathedral. Thank you for such a fantastically made video. Love your channel!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Why, thank you so much! Durham cathedral is truly a special place 💖. Cheers! Dara

[@stephengowland8520]

Great video. So lucky to live here in Durham and see the Cathedral every day. So good that others are discovering it.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

You are very lucky indeed! Thank you so much for watching my video and taking the time to comment. If you know anyone who might enjoy seeing this view of Durham and hearing about the cathedral, I hope you will share it with them. ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Cheers! Dara P.S. my Beamish video premieres at 4 PM today 🎉

[@Mark_Dyer1]

Beautifully photographed and edited Dara. As you know, I was privileged to spend 1971-74, being educated in this wonderful city. It is true, though, that such treasures are wasted on the young! How I wish I might live there now.......with few bills!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks Mark! You need to go back and visit Beamish AND Bamburgh AND Lindisfarne too. So many wonderful places in the Northeast ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@StephenandAndie]

This cathedral is just magnificent. I would have been happy enough just marveling the in exterior views. Wow!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

But then the intriguing stories inside make it even better! Love that place 💕

[@GeziVizyonu]

Hello my friend. Durham Cathedral is very nice. I would like to travel at the first opportunity. Regards from your friend in Turkey

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you very much!

[@da90sReAlvloc]

great video some beautiful sights , I just subscribed to your awesome channel keep up the great work👍

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@creative_nature06]

Hello my friend, this is so amazing video , thanks for sharing, new friend here and stay connected 👍☺️

[@TravelingTramps]

Too bad the beautiful Cathedral was closed the first time. (Well your second) They did apologize in sign language, Dara and Ian. Happy you went back as it's magnificent! Stunning architecture and beautiful bridges. Gorgeous stained glass and interior. Loved hearing the history. Thanks so much for bringing us along. (PS - Hope you enjoyed the butters flies and Otters!)

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes it IS truly a magnificent place! As is the butterfly and otter sanctuary! We thoroughly enjoyed our visit yesterday💖🦦

[@calmmusicforsleep]

Awesome tour, so beautiful place to visit! Thanks for sharing! Have a great day

[@adarita305]

I love your videos. So glad I found your channel. The photography and all the history is much appreciated. 👏🏼

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you so much! I'm very glad you found my channel too! This is one of my favourite videos.... such an incredible place. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@WITYTRAVELS]

Appreciate all of your research! Learned about Saint Bede and the word Cathedral! And George Washington! Thanks Professor.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

You are welcome! Although, the real thanks goes to the tour guides who taught me all those things! I just summarised it for everyone, lol

[@FlourEggsYeast]

Soooo glad you got to bring us inside, those columns are gorgeous, especially with each so different. How unique.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

It truly is very unique! A special place indeed. And still a place that pilgrims flock to…. quite interesting to see!

[@newbris]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I think last time I was there they mentioned the large columns were hollow. Such a beautiful place. Thanks for your great video. We love it so much I proposed to my wife there. Last time we brought the children over from Australia we had to do a reenactment for the children at the same bench :)

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@newbris oh my goodness, thank you so much for sharing that story! So sweet!💕💕

[@Renwick19]

This is my hometown it’s an absolutely beautiful place

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, it’s wonderful! One of my favourite cities to view from the air! I’m glad that you found this video. Are you new to my channel?

[@Renwick19]

@@MagentaOtterTravels yes I am

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@Renwick19 welcome to the Magenta Otter Tribe! I hope you subscribe and stick around a while. Lots more fun videos from the Northeast coming soon. And if you know anyone who would like to see this Durham cathedral video, I would very much appreciate you sharing it with them 💕🙏. Cheers! Dara

[@JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers]

Ian the drone shots are incredible!! Dara your narration is perfection. The history fascinating, I had to rewind a few times. George Washington, family coat of arms and the connection to our flag is something I had never heard of. Excellent video! Bravo!!! ~Cara 😊

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you, Cara! I just realised this video goes along with your Washington DC videos because of the George connection! Lol

[@ians3586]

Thank you!

[@dinerouk]

Bill Bryson ex US citizen and travel writer was chancellor here, at one point.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Really? That’s fascinating! He is an excellent writer… very witty!

[@PostcardAndAPint]

You don’t half stumble onto location filming!! Fascinating history on the cathedral and the arches. Loved learning about the bishops too. Thanks for the excellent tour. 🍻

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank YOU for watching! That place is a stunner!!

[@MadameMinima]

3:45 what a stunning drone view. This one gives Hollywood Blockbuster experience. 🤩🤩🤩

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I loved it as well! Now you know why I get mad at Ian when he downplays his drone footage!!

[@ruthgoebel723]

What a great video!!! I enjoy visiting cathedrals very much and would dearly love to get my hands and feet on that organ!!! Kudos to Ian for the amazing drone footage; those bird’s-eye views are breathtaking! ❤️

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much! I’d love to hear you play that organ! 👍

[@RichardWells1]

Excellent tour of Durham Cathedral, with some stunning aerial photography, brilliantly detailed historical narrative, and evocative soundtrack. (Fascinating fact about the Washington family!) So captivating was your programme that I felt it was over all too soon. The story behind Durham Cathedral should make us grateful for our nation's Christian heritage.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I was overwhelmed by how beautiful and interesting the cathedral was! I owe a debt of gratitude to the tour guides who helped me discover even more interesting stories than the ones I found through my prior research! And I agree that Ian‘s drone photography was definitely the frosting on the cake!🎂 Cheers! Dara

[@revbenf6870]

Thank you Dara and Ian for the respect and the time taken to do the research which makes your videos so much more satisfying. Keep up the good work!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you so very much for your comment! This video did take an awful lot of time to edit, so I really appreciate you saying that 🙏. Cheers! Dara

[@walkingwithtamson]

Well the arches were rather interesting, had no idea 🤔 Durham cathedral is absolutely spectacular isn't it 😀 Fantastic tour today Dara, will need to stop by next time we are down

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

It is spectacular! And so historic! I highly recommend a visit 👍 Thanks so much for watching! Cheers! Dara

[@johnfarrell3175]

I live in gateshead close to Newcastle Durham is stunning and hard to believe it's 10 minutes on a train from Newcastle

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

It is such a wonderful part of the country! Love Newcastle, love Durham, and love Northumberland too! Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for some fun Northumberland vids coming soon (hopefully in May... )

[@tomarmstrong5244]

Excellent video and most informative. I grew up locally, and remember being dragged, most relectantly, to the Cathedral to hear an organ recital when I was at school. It was shockingly good, and the whole Cathedral seemed to be vibrating with the music.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Haha, I understand! I didn't appreciate Durham Cathedral the first time I visited... and my sons didn't even LOOK at it! They were sitting there playing GameBoy and got kicked out! How embarrassing is THAT?! I'm sure the organ recital was tremendous, given the way the pipes just fill up both sides of the quire! I hope you subscribe and stay tuned for Beamish this Friday and lots more adventures in the North... and South... coming soon. Cheers! Dara

[@tomarmstrong5244]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I will look out for your Beamish video. I went there some years back with my five sons, the youngest of whom was given the first bollocking of his life for not calling the school headmaster 'Sir'. I was impressed by your Durham Cathedral talk, as most American KZbinrs simply wander around saying 'Wow!, and 'Awesome!'. Keep it up.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@tomarmstrong5244 that is very kind of you to say! I have to admit I understand why most KZbinrs do Vlogs the way they do. It takes a lot less time! Doing all the research and editing that I do takes absolutely forever! It’s a labour of love and definitely tests my patience! But I’m a perfectionist LOL

[@mehitabel6564]

Thank you for this. I have long wanted to visit Durham Cathedral, and you have inspired me to go soon!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Oh yes, I hope you do! It's one of my very favourite cathedrals! 💖 Thanks for watching! Please report back on your visit 😉. Cheers! Dara

[@FlourEggsYeast]

We are READY! We’ve been looking forward to this Dara. I’m sure Ian will showcase this cathedral via the drone beautifully. OMG, I can’t believe it’s not open! 🤣😂 Filming is super popular then!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, and we just went to Wells Cathedral this week... and the BBC was filming there that very day! THANK GOODNESS they weren't taking over the whole cathedral and we were still allowed inside. Otherwise I think I would have had a nervous breakdown! haha

[@FlourEggsYeast]

@@MagentaOtterTravels 🤣😂 I can’t believe it’s happened repetitively to you!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@FlourEggsYeast I go to beautiful places where production crews LOVE to film! It happened again a few days ago at Wells Cathedral! 😂

[@gmdhargreaves]

Fascinating video- takes my breath away that 1000 years ago something so massive could be built, It could never be built today. Great drone footage also

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I agree that it is astonishing how they could build a structure so magnificent so very long ago! Thanks for watching and leaving your lovely comment. Cheers! Dara

[@WhileAwayWithUs]

I want to enroll at the University of Durham so I can live in the castle and be right by this magnificent cathedral. I really appreciated the facts and seeing the inside but I was blown away by the drone footage. Gorgeous place! Adding to my must see list!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much! I agree those are some lucky uni students!😉

[@trytellingthetruth.2068]

The quality of this video, is such that one would be lead to believe it was made by professional film makers. Excellent job and thanks for taking the time to put it together.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you so very much! It's funny because I just took a break from editing to read through comments... and your comment came directly after a really hateful one. So THANK YOU for being a little bit of positive vibes after all that bad mojo! Have a great day! Cheers! Dara P.S. If you are a fan of cathedrals, I hope you check out my Gloucester Cathedral video as well. I'll hopefully be able to publish my Wells cathedral one in the next several weeks when I get more editing time.

[@trytellingthetruth.2068]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I'm looking forward to watching all your videos. There tends to be a reason why people make uncomplimentary comments, being that they aren't able to achieve the same quality/success when it comes to producing videos. Just see it as a compliment. Keep up the good work. PS. I'm ashamed of myself, as an Englishman, that you are seeing much more of this Island I call home, than myself. Take care now .

[@StephenandAndie]

Those columns are spectacular!!!

[@catherinewilkins2760]

All the churches and cathedrals are unique in their own way, love them all.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I agree completely! Even when I wander into a little parish church in a village, I often find something truly remarkable! Like a few days ago we went to a small village in Devon and discovered that the man who wrote a very popular hymn (Rock of Ages) was buried there! There was a cool monument to him in the corner.💕 did you see my video on Tuesday, of my friends singing in Hailes Church?

[@catherinewilkins2760]

Yes, very nice.

[@davegreenwood1663]

Outstanding video Dara .This its your best yet .Love the history and especially the bit about washington and the US flag.Also great drone work by Ian again.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Awwww you are too kind! I’m glad that I was able to do this magnificent place justice! It deserved the best video I could manage.💕Cheers! Dara

[@The_Brit_Girls]

Never realized the Durham Bishops had so much power or the meaning of "Cathedral." Fascinating to see the flag of America resembling the Washington family's coat of arms! Beautiful footage inside the cathedral too.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I have learned recently the importance of doing advance research and/or having really good tour guides. Trying to visit a place like this without knowing what to look for is overwhelming. But the three different tour guides who spoke to me were a wealth of interesting information!

[@darrinslack1269]

I was born in the county and was given a little book that confirmed that I was born in the county of the prince bishops , so I`m more english then english lol

[@suedavis3525]

I am a Geordie and went to this beautiful cathedral as a child to hear concerts. Just stunning what they could do without modern technology and construction tools.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I totally agree! And coincidentally, two nights ago I went to my very first concert in a cathedral! A choir was performing a Requiem in Gloucester Cathedral. Just heavenly! 👼

[@anoldfogeysfun]

As someone born and bred in the original Washington, Dara . . . it was more than likely only just a small hamlet back in medieval times under the auspices of the BoD, and then it grew slowly into more of a typical mining village, and grew again as the various local coal mines around it were opened and needed workers from outside the area to come. Down around the Fatfield area near the river, it also used to have some small local shipbuilding yards long ago, too . . . The last name of Washington came from the actual Washington family when they arrived to live in the village in their Manor house (Georgie's Grandparents or G/G ones?) . . . (after it was refurbished, it just became a place for any tourists to come and visit, although they do fly the US flag there on certain day in July! But I don't really know if any Americans over their actually knew - or are taught where his own family originally came from?) . . . before the final name change when they arrived here, it held a few names almost similar to that of theirs under the reach of the Bish of Durham. Wassintun & Wessynton being two of them I think. (Not sure about the spelling of those nowadays - but it was something like that.) - (There is a Website about Washington though if you'd like to know even more . . .) Jimmy Carter while he was the US Prezzy popped here to check out the manor house, and plant what might have been a "cherry tree?" - I think it was on the village green itself back in the 70's . . . (well, he threw a few spades of earth into it . . . might even have nipped into one of the pubs right next to it for a drink and perhaps a bag of peanuts afterwards?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Haha, I loved your comment about Jimmy Carter! I heard about the cherry tree story from a tour guide in the cathedral... and she told me that the tree Pres Carter planted actually was dead! They replaced it ;-) I really appreciate you sharing all the background information about Washington. If the cathedral hadn't been closed the first time, I would have had time in the schedule to visit Washington, but alas... didn't happen this trip. Hopefully next time! I hope you enjoyed the Beamish video too, and will watch the Newcastle video I'm premiering on Friday. Cheers! Dara

[@MadameMinima]

Very interesting historical and architectural information. It's always astonishing what importance "a simple composition of stones" can have for posterity. Thank you Dara for having taken the time to share this with us.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks Patz! It is truly a spectacular place with such historical, religious and architectural importance! 💖

[@FlourEggsYeast]

Lovely visit!!!!!!

[@paulwilkinson7977]

Hope you enjoyed your visit to my county...I might be biased but I think county durham is a really beautiful place 😍..when you come over the viaduct on the train wow I'm home ...

[@ians3586]

Have to agree with you Paul. We have been pleasantly surprised by all that your area has to offer. You're very fortunate to call it home.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

We absolutely loved County Durham! That is a beautiful place to be from. ❤️ I hope you are subscribed and stick around for upcoming videos from the Northeast 😉

[@WaysideWade]

That is so true, need to be very thorough when planning to record locations. The logistics can be so daunting. 😬😁⚠️🌱

[@WaysideWade]

I really like the lattice design on the column, and the variety is great as well. ✨💯

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, it is good to plan ahead! Although, someone else told me that the website did not indicate the cathedral closure that day! 😡

[@britainonabudget]

I’m so glad you made it in the next day! You got some great footage and the drone shots are awesome.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks hun! I was SO relieved that I could go the next day!!

[@wasp6594]

That was absolutely excellent and taught me a few things I didn't know. The link to George Washington and the family crest influencing the design of the American flag was especially interesting. It just goes to show how closely linked we are with our cousins from aross the pond. My interest was sparked when I learned recently that my family, on my mother's side, all came from County Durham, for many generations. Ironically, my mother's maiden name was Wearmouth, obviously linked to the river Wear. It seems the name had Saxon origins, so, Lord knows how far back my family history goes, with its links to Durham. That may explain why I have always had a feeling of affinity with Durham.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

That is very interesting! Thanks for sharing about your family history. It is extra special to spend time in an area where your family roots run deep! One of the reasons we enjoy being in our part of England and visiting specific areas in Herefordshire and Birmingham. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! I’m glad I was able to share a few interesting new facts with you😉. Cheers! Dara

[@The_Brit_Girls]

Oops! 😬Plan ahead! Lesson learned! And..." a little drone crash" eek, not a good start to your day! But wow, things sure did improve after that! Fabulous drone footage, Ian. Absolutely stunning! 👏👏👏

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much! All’s well that ends well!😉

[@WITYTRAVELS]

Great info on the types of arches. Very interesting!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, every time we go to a church, Ian always comments on the types of arches! 😂

[@FunandBudget]

This reminds me of the time I was in Milan and wanted to see the Last Supper - took a bus to get there just to find the day we chose, it was closed...LoL

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Ugh! Travel adventures! Gives us something to complain about, right? 😂😂

[@northernchubbygurladventur7539]

Ahh, this is my home county! What fab footage you have it's amazing and great to see through other peoples eyes. A friend of mine worked as a stone mason for the cathedral, she started there as an apprentice. Fab video and can't wait to see more!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Oh, thanks so much for watching and commenting! I just finished my Beamish video for this Friday’s premiere. We really loved County Durham and Northumberland and Newcastle! Thanks for sharing that information about your friend. How interesting! If you know anyone who would enjoy seeing this cathedral video, I hope you share it with them.💕 Cheers! XX Dara

[@ians3586]

I have a huge amount of admiration for stone masons that are doing the important work of restoring historic buildings. Without them future generations wouldn’t have the pleasure of enjoying a place like Durham Cathedral.

[@beatrixdobson4795]

I live in County Durham and had no idea about the history. This was a really fascinating video. Definitely got yourself a new subscriber

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Oh, thank you so much! Welcome to the Magenta Otter Tribe! I have a Beamish video coming this Friday. One thing I learned both at Gloucester and Durham cathedrals is how amazing the tour guides are. I never would have seen or known about all the amazing history if I didn't have such knowledgeable and friendly people telling me information. I do a lot of research, but they always add more "secrets"! If you know anyone that would enjoy this video, I hope you share it with them. Cheers! XX Dara

[@beatrixdobson4795]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Thank you. I look forward to the Beamish video.

[@The_Brit_Girls]

Fasciating to hear about Roman vs Gothic arches, as well as all the historical information you imparted. Great research, Dara!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much! I owe a big debt of gratitude to the lovely tour guides who helped me along the way! Plus, I enjoy hearing their northern accents!

[@lauriejshook]

Loving all this drone footage! Interesting to learn about the Roman to Gothic arch evolution. Isn't it fascinating that people in mid-later ages where able to create such magnificent structures?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I am astonished at the ability they had to construct such amazing buildings 900 years ago!

[@jillhobson6128]

Are Roman arches the same as Norman arches? I don't know much about early church architecture.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@jillhobson6128 I always ask Ian! LOL… he said they are similar, but have slight differences in their style. They are both rounded, but for example Norman arches sometimes have a zigzag photo attern at the top.

[@jillhobson6128]

@@MagentaOtterTravels That's fascinating, I did wonder. Thanks for your reply.

[@malcolmstead272]

Legend has it, so I was told, that the Monks fleeing Lindisfarne (Holy Island) from the Vikings rested on that peninsular and when they tried to lift the coffin it had stuck fast, so they had taken it as a sign and built the church around it.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

That’s a good legend!

[@StephenandAndie]

This man’s voice is so soothing!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I love his accent! And he was also very funny. Extremely nice man.

[@sarahthomson878]

If you like Vera, and look for locations, a couple of scenes were filmed in my small town near Durham, Chester-le-Street. It's a little cafe across from our local library, which we call Citrones but in Vera it was called the Royal Cafe. It's in the 11th series, at the beginning of episode 1. I remember visiting the cafe a lot when I was little with my grandpa who's now gone eating sausage and chips, with a blue slush drink, and sticking our tongues out at each other laughing at our blue tongues heheh.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Oh, Sarah, thanks for sharing that family memory! I LOVE hearing stories like that, and my wonderful subscribers are very kind to often share their memories with me ;-) I did want to visit Chester-le-Street but we ran out of time! I've heard the parish church is worth a visit, and I would be curious to see where St Cuthbert's body was held "temporarily" for 112 years! Between that and Vera filming there, I need to go ;-) Cheers! Dara

[@WITYTRAVELS]

Ian is our favorite drone pilot too! Wow!!!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Awwww you are too sweet! But I’ve seen y’all do some great drone footage too!

[@ians3586]

Thank you! It’s a fun toy to play with.

[@NBNatureTrailvan]

Great stuff Dara 👍👍👍. Really interested in this as we missed Durham when we were up there last week. The St Cuthbert history is great - we visited Lindisfarne and looked out in Inner Farne every day. Wonderful to watch this one 👍👍👍😍😍😍

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much, Dave! We finally made it to Lindisfarne this summer as well. Now I just need to get the vlog done about it 😉

[@NBNatureTrailvan]

@@MagentaOtterTravels great 👍👍👍. So wonderful up there 👍👍👍

[@forthedisenfranchised4366]

Dara, this is an immense video, you really did wonderful justice to the Cathedral and the history. I haven't yet visited the Cathedral, but now know it is a must see. Wonderful footage, the drone footage was spectacular too, well done Ian.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much! It was a ton of work, but as you say the cathedral is wonderful and deserved a special video!!💕 I was chuffed to see the great drone footage Ian captured.👍 Cheers! Dara

[@ians3586]

Thank you. It’s a fun toy (most of the time).

[@forthedisenfranchised4366]

@@ians3586 Until we sprout wings, it offers a world of possibilities and experiences, you're a great pilot (drone accidents don't count), keep up the great work.

[@ians3586]

@@forthedisenfranchised4366 what I like about drones is that we can now take shots that would have required a helicopter and cost thousands to do 20 years ago. Even a poor drone pilot, like me, with an outdated drone (original Mavic Air) can sometimes get decent shots.

[@Andy_U]

Back again. You must be getting a reputation for stalking film crews! Another great vlog and even more terrific drone footage. I'm going to have to search out my thesaurus to find future superlatives. Once again, all the best.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you so very much, Andy! I do sometimes feel like I have terrible luck always being where the film crews are! But I think the truth is that I choose to visit places that are so popular and beautiful that production crews always want to film there…😉

[@Andy_U]

@@MagentaOtterTravels - Dara, did you see my info for you about the new GBBO Musical opening in Cheltenham? Only it seems to have vanished from the comments.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@Andy_U no I didn’t see that! And yes, sometimes comments magically disappear. It is very frustrating! Unless it had a link in it? Those automatically get sent into limbo…

[@Andy_U]

@@MagentaOtterTravels - Aah, yes, I placed a link to the Everyman Theatre. The new musical is trialling a run from right now to the 6th August, most performances at 7.30 though there are a couple of matinees. If you're interested, you'd better get a move on, I think.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@Andy_U oh yes, I know the Everyman theatre! How fun! Cheers!

[@MarkSlavin]

For any Marvel fans, the catherdral interior is where they filmed the Asguard scenes with Thor and his mother in Avengers Endgame.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Ooooh, that is a fun fact! I’m in Liverpool today, with my brother who is visiting from the US. He was joking about how all of England is one big filming location! I was telling him all the places that I’ve been shut out of because they were in the middle of filming 😂

[@wencireone]

You definitely have to go to Winchester Cathedral, I'm sure you'd love it and the history of Winchester the first capital of England

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes I definitely want to go!

[@MadameMinima]

Just a little additional explanation: cathedra is Latin and its first meaning is simply chair in late Latin it then became the chair of the Bishop.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks for that! 👍

[@Denathorn]

Ah, Durham Cathedral... Only 4 miles east of where I live (Langley Park)! :) She's a beauty isnt she! :)

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

SO beautiful! And historic! And interesting! I’m so glad that I was able to visit and have wonderful tour guides share with me the interesting stories of the cathedral.💕 Thanks for watching and commenting! I hope you subscribe and stick around for more British fun 🤩❤️🇬🇧 Cheers! Dara

[@ethelmini]

Those titles are too good, I almost went to put the kettle on, I thought it was the beginning of an advert 😄 We have lots of ruined monasteries in this part of the country, Durham is a spectacular taste of they must have been like pre dissolution. If you haven't been already, St Paul's in Jarrow was Bede's actual monastery and gives a similarly good flavour of an even earlier time.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks very much! We shall have to go check out that church as well. Cheers! Dara

[@ians3586]

Since I didn’t get to go inside the cathedral (out flying the drone), it was nice to see what was inside.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you for your excellent piloting!!😘

[@GENerationXplorers]

Sorry to hear about your bad luck with all the filming locations! That is really unfortunate timing. That gargoyle door knocker was a stunner! Glad your drone is ok Ian! 😅

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

That drone has had even more damage since Durham! It flew UNDER our car two days ago… we hope it still flies 😬🤞

[@GENerationXplorers]

@@MagentaOtterTravels wow that is some insane drone flying Ian! ♥️♥️

[@FunandBudget]

Oooh the roman vs the gothic arches was interesting

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I agree! It shows how important this cathedral is historically👍

[@MadameMinima]

The inside of this cathedral is just beautiful, spectacular, stunning, magnificent....(are there any other adjectives I could add???). This is worth a visit for sure.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes I agree! I also ran out of superlatives! Lol

[@MadameMinima]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I found some: marvelous, delightful, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious 🤩

[@newbris]

Walking from the train, through the village/town and up to the cathedral gives it such a special setting too!

[@andrewwells3367]

It was actually Framwellgate Bridge that you were showing downstream from Prebend's Bridge; Elvet Bridge is upstream from there.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you for setting the record straight! There were quite a few bridges and I had trouble properly identifying them! 😬 By the way, looking at your name I just have to share with you the fact that I went to Somerset last week and finally visited Wells Cathedral 💕

[@andrewwells3367]

@@MagentaOtterTravels And did you realize that it is the cathedral church of St Andrew, Wells. I was thrilled to read that on the noticeboard when I was 8 yrs old.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@andrewwells3367 even BETTER!! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@tonywilkinson6895]

To be serious,cloisters in the summer are truly beautiful. They make you feel history.👌

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, absolutely! I was just thinking last night how I would love to just go sit in the cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral for a while. Like a monk in study hall 😂

[@ioet2007]

0:43 Where Dara is standing,there used to be a pair of magnificent Knockers.Quite the sight in it's day.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@ioet2007 the knocker that is there is pretty magnificent! IMHO

[@alneal100]

Great video!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you! I was chuffed to bits when I saw the drone footage that Ian had captured of the cathedral and Durham !It is some of my favourite.

[@alneal100]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I haven't heard "chuffed" in a long time. Now that I think of it.....I haven't heard "Oops...I dropped a clanger!"

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@alneal100 🤣🤣🤣

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

Another beautiful video full of facts and impressions Dara and Ian. What a great team you make. I experienced the same as you did with 'closed for public' moments while in France. So annoying but I survived and had options up my sleeve too. I was very interested in the explanation of the USA flag as I had not come across that information anywhere. Sounded plausible. Glad your holiday is going well. Greetings from me to you both. 🙏 🇳🇿 🙋‍♀ 🇳🇱

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much Anita! I was so surprised that both Durham cathedral as well as Gloucester Cathedral have connections to the American flag!🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@billydonaldson6483]

The American flag evolved out of the East India Company flag. This flag had the 13 stripes and either the a Union Flag in the top left quadrant or the initials of the EI Co. Washington used this flag during the Revolution and it was eventually changed by Betsy Ross who sewed a patch with the stars over the top left quadrant. This became known as the Betsy Flag. Some people dispute the Betsy Ross involvement but if you look at the EI Co. Flag you will see the influence for the US flag. They were after all involved in the revolution in the first place.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you so much for the very interesting flag background! I looked up the East India flag and I see your point! Perhaps that was the start of the US flag and then the stars were inspired by the Washington family crest? Whether or not it's true... it's still a fascinating story, right?! Thanks again for watching and commenting. I hope you enjoy the Beamish video and my upcoming Newcastle video, which premieres on Friday! Cheers! Dara

[@viral344]

Fantastic

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks! Did you enjoy the story about the American flag? Just had to ask because of your profile photo 😉🇺🇸 Cheers! Dara

[@wencireone]

Looking forward to future video of Beamish

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I have a very long weekend of editing ahead of me!😳😬

[@wencireone]

@@MagentaOtterTravels no rush ⏳👍

[@lclark6854]

Being from the North East, I still learned some new things from you. I feel very lucky to live here. Apparently, some of the masons were Muslims from the Middle East and they were the ones that engraved the abstract designs on the pillars. They had to be so huge to support the Roman arches whereas gothic arches could allow for narrower columns.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I’m so glad to hear that you still learned some new things and found the video interesting! I give all the credit to my fabulous tour guides. They are amazing at telling the most interesting stories! And of course my husband Ian‘s drone photography is the icing on the cake.😉 I really appreciate you watching the video and taking the time to comment! Hopefully you will subscribe and stick around. I have a big video coming up on Friday about Newcastle. And last Friday’s video was about the Beamish museum in County Durham. 👍 Have a great week! Cheers! Dara

[@theresabigwideworld2632]

Absolutely stunning cathedral, the architectural knowledge that I've gained over the years all comes from visiting historic buildings, particularly religious ones. Now I've added information about roman and gothic arches! Also I feel your pain about arriving at a site only to find it closed, it's happened a few (too many!) times in my travels!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, I agree. You don't need to be Anglican or Catholic to enjoy visiting the British and European cathedrals... they are architectural masterpieces! I"m SO glad I had a second day in the area to see the cathedral when it was closed the first day ;-)

[@wencireone]

Definitely a must visit place

[@MadameMinima]

I agree with you...another thing to put on my bucket list!

[@wencireone]

@@MadameMinima Bucket ! , you must be upto a barrel by now 😉

[@MadameMinima]

@@wencireone yes, I am watching too many of Dara's videos 😂

[@wencireone]

@@MadameMinima I'm just living my life vicariously, as I'll never have the time or the money, and it's always a surprise to see where we're going next

[@MadameMinima]

@@wencireone Oh I envy you!! I wish I could do this too 😢

[@colinraine8245]

Brilliant video, I'm lucky I'm from Durham so have been to Durham Cathederal many times. Back in medieval times the Bishop's were really Norman Knight's ( Nobles) and were given the title Prince Bishop so as a Bishop they couldn't be as much a threat to the King with no family line . Beck was a fighting Knight as was Hatfield who was at the battle of Crecy with Edward iii and The Black Prince. As regards fish and chips the best in the area by far are Bell's in Durham Market Place .

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks for the info about the prince bishops/Norman knights! Such an interesting time and place! I appreciate recommendation of a chippy in Durham... shall have to remember that for next time! I hope you enjoyed my Beamish video as well and will join us for the premiere of my Newcastle video on Friday! It's a whopper that I've spent ages editing... but it shows a lot of different aspects to Newcastle and hopefully has a few bits that will make you smile :-) Cheers! Dara

[@Langstrath]

@@MagentaOtterTravels The Prince Bishops of Durham were very powerful and exercised the powers of the king in the north of England for centuries. The county of Durham was a County Palatine which had its own courts and institutions similar to those of the king and was exempt from paying a lot of taxes to the king. The Palatine rights of the Prince Bishops were phased out gradually between the 16th - 19th centuries. The local tourist board likes to promote County Durham as 'the land of the Prince Bishops'.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@Langstrath it is an interesting aspect of English history indeed!

[@StephenandAndie]

Ugh, bummer about it being closed that day! That knocker’s not so bad, tho!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Great knocker! I was just incredibly relieved that I was still in the area the next day and able to go then! The problem with our travel schedule is that often we are doing so much so fast and when a place is closed we don’t get a second chance 😬

[@margaretmetcalfe9380]

Fabulous video, I love Durham Cathedral, such a serene atmosphere once you step into the building, I can always feel a sense of calmness coming over me. Although the green area between the Cathedral and the Castle is actually called Palace Green not Castle Green.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks for that correction! I agree…. Cathedrals and churches and churchyards are peaceful places that I enjoy visiting. Even if a person isn’t Anglican or even religious at all, they can still benefit from the calmness 💕. Thanks for your comments!🙏 Cheers! Dara

[@margaretmetcalfe9380]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I agree all those places are so tranquill I love to visit churches and cathedrals of any religion as they are usually very beautiful. Glad you enjoyed your visit to the North East.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@margaretmetcalfe9380 yes we love the area! I’m working on a video of Newcastle for this Friday. I cover a LOT in that vlog… including the cathedral.💕

[@TheVaughan5]

The cathedral you see today took close to 400 years to construct. It began in the 11th c (the Norman sections) and was added to or altered up until the 15th c. (Gothic sections) One of the world’s greatest buildings,

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you for clarifying! I heard the fact about "40 years to construct" and it sounded way too short.... maybe that was just the original structure? It is definitely one of the most historic and magnificent buildings we can visit today. And yes, it took centuries to become the edifice it is. Thank you so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment. Cheers! Dara

[@TheVaughan5]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Your video is great, keep up the good work.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@TheVaughan5 much appreciated 🙏… working hard on a video of Newcastle right now!

[@jjsmallpiece9234]

You missed the best bit of Durham - the cricket ground. You could have watched England play.

[@jjsmallpiece9234]

@@Poliss95 Indeed

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Haha I was just thinking about you today… And how you prefer cricket grounds to churches 😂

[@Langstrath]

A relatively little known piece of history about Durham Cathedral is that 3000 captured Scottish soldiers were imprisoned in the cathedral by Oliver Cromwell after the Battle of Dunbar in 1650 during the Civil War. They used a lot of the wood in the cathedral as firewood. 1700 of them died inside the cathedral and their mass grave was discovered during building work near Palace Green outside the cathedral in 2013. The survivors were shipped to the colonies in America.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Oh my goodness, that is an interesting and tragic story! Thanks for sharing. Civil Wars are such awful things, and every tale I hear like this is just terrible. I've heard of other churches being used to hold POW's also. Cheers for watching and leaving your comment! Dara

[@paulelvidge538]

Very nice video

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Cheers, Paul! I was glad to feature one of Britain's best cathedrals! Do you have a favourite?

[@johnbrownbridge873]

Have you ever visited Bede's museum and St.Paul's Monastery in Jarrow/South Shields just about 2 miles from where I live? There's also a recreated Anglo-Saxon Farm at the same site.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

No haven't been there. Need to add it to the list for our next trip up North! Cheers! Dara

[@johnbrownbridge873]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Maybe do a morning there and then Tynemouth Priory and castle in the afternoon.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@johnbrownbridge873 sounds nice!👍

[@elainec8120]

I have just come across your site and enjoying your posts, particularly from the North East I have many roots Durham and I love the county, I liked your tour of the Cathedral, I didn't read all the comments, two things I wonder if you were told about, there are a community of bats (protected) in the Cloisters, you may see them flying around, the other which I was told about and saw that one of the columns in the Cathedral, there is a mistake - which we were told is deliberate, we were told nothing is perfect except for God, so stonemasons make a mistake in their buildings, I cannot verify this but it sounds reasonable.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Why, bless your little cotton socks! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment and let me know you are enjoying my channel! That makes my day! We had such a delightful time exploring the northeast! The Durham Cathedral video is one of my favourites, and given the unusual columns, I believe that story! Not sure you have seen these other videos, but we did a fun vlog of Beamish: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJLWYaSAqtqLf5Y And my Newcastle vlog is my most popular travel vlog yet: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH2te6GjlrdjnLc But the most videos we have done were in Northumberland. I'll link to that playlist in case you'd like to check them out. kzbin.info/aero/PLOedWVhYewAUqvRDVs5VqbfCr3TJgfB_w Thanks so much! Cheers XX Dara

[@WITYTRAVELS]

If it's not pirates, it's vikings! People used to never be able to relax!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

For real! So many people attacking other people! But that is how we ended up with all these gorgeous castles…

[@TheJthom9]

It was not Elvet Bridge downstream, but Framwellgate Bridge that was in the shot

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks for setting the record straight! I do try to do my research... but I also make mistakes, unfortunately. Cheers! Dara