For the magnificent position it occupies, Durham Cathedral is without a rival in this country; and even if one includes the Continent, the cathedral of Albi in France will alone bear comparison in respect to its position. Overlooking the Wear from a considerable height appear the two massive western towers and the magnificent central tower of the cathedral, and when these and the masses of foliage beneath them are reflected on the calm surface of the river, the scene is one of rare and astonishing beauty. The origin of the cathedral and city of Durham may be directly traced to the desire on the part of Bishop Eardulph and his monks to erect some building in which to place the coffin containing the body of St. Cuthbert. They had travelled with their sacred charge for seven years, and at the end of that time, in 997, having reached the rocky plateau overlooking the river Wear, they decided to build a chapel there. Bishop Aldhun went further, and by 999 he had finished a large building known as the "White Church." Of this, however, there are no authentic remains; for in 1081, William of St. Carileph had been appointed bishop, and after he had remained in exile in Normandy for some years he returned to Durham fired with the desire to build a cathedral on the lines of some of the great structures then appearing in France. In 1093, therefore, the foundations of the new church were laid, and the present building from that day forward began to appear. Only the walls of the choir, part of the transepts, and the tower arches had been constructed at the time of Carileph's death in 1096, but the work went on under Ralph Flambard, and when he too was gathered to his fathers, the aisles were finished and the nave also, excepting its roof. Flambard also saw the two western towers finished as high as the roof of the nave. The beautiful transitional Norman Galilee Chapel at the west end was built prior to 1195 by Hugh Pudsey. This narrowly escaped destruction at the hands of Wyatt, who in 1796 pulled down the splendid Norman chapter-house. [Illustration: _Photochrom Co., Ltd._ DURHAM CATHEDRAL. It has the finest situation of any English cathedral.] RABY CASTLE, DURHAM =How to get there.=--Train from King's Cross. Great Northern Rly. =Nearest Station.=--Durham. (Raby Castle is close to the town of Staindrop.) =Distance from London.=--256 miles. =Average Time.=--Varies between 5-3/4 to 7-1/2 hours. 1st 2nd 3rd =Fares.=--Single 35s. 10d. ... 21s. 2d. Return 71s. 8d. ... 42s. 4d. =Accommodation Obtainable.=--At Durham--"Rose and Crown Hotel," "Royal County Hotel," etc. =Alternative Route.=--Train from St. Pancras. Midland Railway.