The Assembly Rooms, now Durham University's Assembly Rooms Theatre, is an eighteenth century building, modernised in the nineteenth century, and again in the 1930s. Much of remodelling seems to have concentrated on the exterior, which now combines a Victorian facade with an entrance that is typical of the 1930s Art Deco style. Originally the building hosted community events, such as dances.

The Assembly Rooms, now Durham University's Assembly Rooms Theatre, is an 18th-century building, modernised in the 19th century, and again in the 1930s. Much of remodelling seems to have concentrated on the exterior, which now combines a Victorian facade with an entrance that is typical of the 1930s Art Deco style. Originally, the building hosted community events, such as dances.

The Assembly Rooms Theatre

An Evolving Urban Environment

First we shape our buildings, then they shape us, then we shape them again..... ad infinitum.

Stewart Brand, How Buildings Learn, 1995.

North Bailey is a good example of how historic environments change over time. Buildings are modified, sometimes replaced. Sometimes these changes can be minor: adding vents or altering windows. At other times, additions are made, inspired by the history of a place.

North Bailey's earliest buildings probably date back to the seventeenth century – but most are later. The street therefore tells the story of architectural trends in Britain over the course of three centuries – up until the modern day. Scroll through the gallery above to follow the course of Durham's architectural evolution.

At Home on North Bailey

North Bailey is home to several key Durham institutions: Hatfield College, the second oldest of Durham University's Colleges; St Chad's College, one of the independent colleges associated with the university; Alington House, a community facility; and the Durham Heritage Centre, a valuable resource about the history of Durham.

In addition, North Bailey is the home to Durham University's departments of law, classics, history and ancient history. 

It is also the base of much of Durham University's student theatre, whose base is the Assembly Rooms Building.

Personalising space is a universal hobby. Even when we are temporary residents, for example, students renting a flat for a year, we find reversible means of making our space represent us. The poster on this second storey window is almost impossible to read from the street - but it means something to somebody, and so up it went. (Incidentally, it is a poster for a Hatfield College ball). The red life-saver probably represents Durham University Swimming Club.

Personalising space is a universal pastime. Even when we are temporary residents, for example, students renting a flat for a year, we find reversible means of making our space represent us. The poster on this second storey window is almost impossible to read from the street — but it means something to somebody, and so up it went. (Incidentally, it is a poster for a Hatfield College ball.) The red life-saver represents Durham University Sailing Club.

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