Friary Bemaken (Old Map: 'Friry Bewmaken')

MEDIEVAL FRIARY. Durham's 1595 map shows 'Friry Bewmaken' as a 'prominent' feature near Castletown — this was a FRIARY (Franciscan or Dominican) that has since been reduced to fragments or lost entirely. Friaries were more urban than monasteries — they existed IN towns, serving the community. WHY: Friaries generated enormous foot traffic — friars begged alms, merchants donated, pilgrims visited, markets happened nearby. The approach routes and surrounding streets would have accumulated centuries of material. The Bemaken area near Castletown should be cross-referenced with the Durham map position to locate the friary site. Any surviving green space or garden in this area is worth checking.