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Durham Postcards for Sale

Browse our full range of vintage Durham postcards for sale, from classic views of Durham Cathedral to scenes from across the wider county. Use the search facility in the top left corner to find something specific, or explore our collection of Northumberland postcards here, for more from the wider North East.

The History Behind Our Durham Postcards

Durham Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in England, founded in 1093 to house the shrine of St Cuthbert and the remains of the Venerable Bede. Postcards show it from wide views across the River Wear to closer studies of the choir and nave, and it's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with the neighbouring castle, since 1986.

Durham Castle itself was built in 1072 on the orders of William the Conqueror to help secure Norman control of the north, and has been home to Durham University's University College since 1837. Barnard Castle postcards often picture the Bowes Museum, a French-chateau-style building purpose-built in the 1870s and 1880s by John and Josephine Bowes to house their art collection; Jesmond Dene, a wooded valley gifted to Newcastle by Lord Armstrong in 1883, and Roker, home to a lighthouse pier completed in 1903, also feature among the county's North East postcards.

We're regularly adding postcards from Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street, Seaham and other County Durham towns to this page.

FAQs

What time period do your Durham postcards come from?

Most of our Durham postcards date from the early 1900s through to the mid 20th century, with several from well known series such as Valentine's. You'll see a mix of black and white and tinted colour postcards, each giving a real sense of how Durham looked at the time.

Are these original vintage postcards, not reproductions?

Yes, every postcard we sell is an original vintage item, not a modern reprint or reproduction. Many were printed and posted decades ago, so you're buying a genuine piece of postal history rather than a copy.

Which Durham landmarks appear most often in the collection?

Durham Cathedral is the landmark you'll see the most, shown from a range of angles including views across the River Wear and closer studies of the interior. You'll also find postcards of Durham Castle and Framwellgate Bridge among the collection.

Do any of the postcards have handwriting or postmarks on them?

Some of our postcards were posted and carry a message, postmark or stamp on the reverse, while others are unused and blank. We include photos of both the front and back of each postcard, so you can see exactly what you're getting before you buy.

What does "topographical postcard" mean?

A topographical postcard is one that shows a real place, such as a street, building or landscape, rather than a greetings card design or illustration. Our Durham postcards are a good example, capturing genuine views of the cathedral, castle and surrounding area as they looked at the time.

Do you have postcards from other parts of County Durham or the North East?

Yes, alongside the city of Durham itself, you'll find postcards from other County Durham and North East locations such as Barnard Castle, Jesmond Dene and Roker. These postcards tend to turn up in the same old collections as Durham postcards, so we've kept them together here.

How can I check the condition of a postcard before buying?

We photograph both the front and back of every postcard, so you can see any creasing, corner wear or marks for yourself before you buy. If you'd like a closer look at anything specific, just get in touch and we're happy to help.

Do you ship these postcards internationally?

Yes, we ship our postcards worldwide. Shipping costs and estimated delivery times are calculated at checkout based on your location.

Do you have postcards of a specific Durham location I'm after?

We add new stock regularly, so if you don't see the exact view of Durham you're after today, it's worth checking back or getting in touch and we can let you know if something similar comes in.
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