aerial photograph of Durham , County Durham England UK, showing Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle the River Wear and Durham University. Durham Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the year AD 1093. The Normal building was built by William de St-Calais who was appointed by William the Conqueror. The towers were added in the 13th century. The cathedral contains the tombs of Saint Cuthbert and The Venerable Bede ( St Bede). Durham University was founded in 1832 and has an estate which includes 63 listed buildings including those on Palace green and Durham Castle shown in the photo.