Durham, Silver Street c.1955
Photo ref: D71024
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Photo ref: D71024
Photo of Durham, Silver Street c.1955

More about this scene

Silver Street is typical of the narrow winding streets that lead to the focal point of the city, the Market Square. It is said to have acquired its name from once being the site of a mint where unique Durham coins were produced. Traffic no longer negotiates this steep curving street, for today only pedestrians are permitted to explore this ancient way. One of the busiest shopping streets in the city, it is now dominated by modern shop fronts catering for students and the tourist trade, but its narrowness is a constant reminder of its medieval origins.

Memories of Durham, Silver Street c1955

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. These memories are of Durham, Silver Street c.1955

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I recognize all the places you're talking about as I lived in Durham until 1970. I remember having piano lessons from Mrs Pratt, I was friends with Kenny. I now live in Cyprus, happy in retirement .
My Uncle Gordon was the police man who used to sit in the police box at the top of the street in the market square directing traffic. This was around 1950s. I used to live in Meadowfield and came to Durham many, many times growing up. Great memories. I now live in Devon, but think of Durham always. I used to go to a fish and chip shop in the corner of the market place in the early 60s. MMMM they ...see more
Yes, I remember this street so well as a young boy, I lived up Crossgate at the Angel Inn then Claypath at The Wheatsheaf. I was Christened at St Margarets half way up Crossgate and went to school at The Blue Coat, then Wnney Hill Sec Mod ( Sadly I have just been informed it has been torn down for a housing estate... ). Silver Street was my center of gravity just after the war and I spent many happy ...see more
MY GREAT GREAT GRANDFATHER LIVED AT 9 SILVER ST.HIS DAUGHTER ELIZABETH WAS BORN THERE IN 1846. 5 YEARS AGO I VISITED THE SHOP WHICH STANDS THERE NOW AND THEY TOOK ME ROUND THE PREMISES AND SHOWED ME WHERE THE FAMILY WOULD LIVE BACK THEN. THE ORIGINAL POLISHED WOOD STAIR BANISTER WAS STILL THERE, AND I RAN MY HAND OVER THE PLACE WHERE MY ANCESTORS RAN THEIR HANDS, AND IT WAS VERY MOVING FOR ME.I WAS SO GLAD THE HOUSE WAS ...see more