History tours are in demand at Durham Market

The tours give visitors the opportunity to delve into the past and discover not only more than 160 years’ history as the Market Hall but also the site’s past as the Nevilles of Raby’s palace, as a factory and a workhouse.

Historian and archivist David Butler will now be giving two free tours on the second Thursday of each month up until June.

The 60-minute tours will take place at 9.30am and 10.30am. Places on each tour are limited.

Anyone wishing to join a tour should email [email protected] or call Karen on 0191 384 6153 to reserve their place.

The tours will leave from the main Market Hall entrance just off the Market Place.

Colin Wilkes, Managing Director of Durham Markets, said: “There has been an unprecedented interest in David’s tours of the Market Hall, with tours now being booked up a couple of months in advance.

“Rather than let people down, we’re creating more opportunities to explore the site’s history.

“We’re thrilled that there is a genuine interest in the Market Hall and how the site has evolved over the years.”

Historian David Butler, though not originally from Durham, has lived in the North East for more than 40 years, and gives regular guided walks around the city, county and the wider North East.

“He has written and lectured extensively on aspects of the nineteenth century history of Durham City, including the history of the Durham Markets Company.

For more information on David Butler’s other walks, including his Ghost Walks, see www.dhent.co.uk