Observatory Hill
Observatory Hill is owned by Durham Cathedral. It is divided into two areas – the private grounds of the Durham Cathedral School Foundation, and 4 fields tenanted by a farmer. The largest field is flanked on one side by Potters Bank. Additionally, there is also a flat field at the top of the hill on which the Observatory and Observatory House sit. This field and the Observatory are owned by Durham University. Observatory House is in private hands. The fields are spanned by official, unofficial, and permissive footpaths.
Observatory Hill is one of the picturesque green slopes surrounding Durham’s historic city centre. The name Observatory Hill comes from the scientific observatory built on the hilltop 175 years ago. However, we can imagine that the awe-inspiring views have been treasured since Durham Cathedral was built over 900 years ago. |
The Neville's Cross community use Observatory Hill for recreation, dog-walking, access to the city and university and as a glorious viewpoint of the World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle. This is a long-standing tradition. From 2001 to 2022 Observatory Hill was left as fallow rough pasture. However, on 1 March 2022 the largest field was ploughed-up, much to the dismay of the surrounding residents. A week earlier, access to the hill via the footpaths across the flat field next to the Observatory had been blocked off by a fence erected by Durham University’s Estates and Buildings Team.
Local parish councillors intervened and access was reinstated, but these events have ignited a debate about the status of this land and how it should be managed and accessed in the future.
Local parish councillors intervened and access was reinstated, but these events have ignited a debate about the status of this land and how it should be managed and accessed in the future.
Please note this document is provided for information purposes and is for personal use only
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In order to inform this debate, a briefing document has been compiled by an informal group of volunteer researchers who treasure Observatory Hill and Durham as ‘a city of views’. They are trying to create an evidence base; gauge public opinion; encourage all the stakeholders to work together; and find constructive ways forward.
To share your thoughts, memories and photos of Observatory Hill, and any corrections to this briefing, please email the Neville's Cross Community Association [email protected]. |