Built in 1950 by the architect E. Vincent Harris, OBE, RA, this block of student accommodation looks much older than it actually is. It was obviously designed with an appreciation of older buildings in mind. The building was named after Canon Pace, who had just retired as joint vice-master of Hatfield and University Colleges, and cost 77,000 pounds to build. This seemed like an exorbitant sum, as the original estimate was only 41,000.

Built in 1950 by the architect E. Vincent Harris, OBE, RA, this block of student accommodation looks much older than it actually is. It was obviously designed with an appreciation of older buildings in mind.

The building was named after Canon Pace, who had just retired as joint vice-master of Hatfield and University Colleges, and cost 77,000 pounds to build. This seemed like an exorbitant sum, as the original estimate was only 41,000.  

Pace Block at Hatfield College

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.

You are in: Home » Learn » Architecture » The Bailey » North Bailey