The city of Durham in north-east England, lying on the River Wear, has long been an important centre in the region since St Cuthbert was buried there in the tenth century and the Normans built their imposing cathedral and castle. The city became the centre of many coal-mining communities in the surrounding area during the Industrial Revolution and the university, founded in 1832, took over many buildings in the historic centre of the town and continued to expand in the twentieth century. Today the mines have closed but the communities built around them remain, and the city has experienced post-war development of its commercial areas.

Lost Durham presents a portrait of this city in north-east England and a way of life that has radically changed or disappeared today, showing the buildings, streets and industries that have gone or changed. This fascinating photographic history of Durham will appeal to all those who live in the city or know it well, as well as those who remember it from previous decades.