Durham is a historic city located in the northeast of England, situated on the River Wear. It is the county town of County Durham.
In Béroul’s Tristan, Arthur seems to have a court there.
Durham | 0 to the 9th century AD
Roman Period | 1st – 4th centuries
During the Roman period, various parts of what is now England were under Roman rule. Durham, like many other regions, would have been influenced by Roman culture and administration. The Romans established roads and settlements, but specific details about Durham during this time are not well-documented.
Early Medieval Period | 5th – 9th centuries
Following the Roman withdrawal from Britain in the early fifth century, the region entered a period often referred to as the Early Medieval or Dark Ages. The area that would later become Durham likely saw transitions in population and possibly the establishment of small Anglo-Saxon settlements.
From the late fifth century onwards, various Germanic tribes collectively known as the Anglo-Saxons began migrating to Britain and establishing their kingdoms. These invasions led to the gradual replacement of Romano-British culture, and the governance of the region would have been significant.
The region that includes Durham was part of the Kingdom of Bernicia during the early medieval period. Bernicia was one of the two Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, along with Deira, that eventually merged to form the Kingdom of Northumbria.
Christianization
The conversion to Christianity took place during this period, with the mission of St. Augustine of Canterbury in 597 marking a crucial moment in the Christianization of the Anglo-Saxons. The spread of Christianity across England would have reached regions like Durham in subsequent centuries.
See also
Dun Stallion | The Legend of King Arthur
Source
Tristan | Béroul, late 12th century