There are 40 of these paving stones and although some are purely decorative, most have details of significant events. These range from when the coffin of St. Cuthbert was brought to the area by monks fleeing Viking raids who then founded Durham, to the time when the market square was renovated.
Some of the stones have solely text on them, others have text and a carving representing the event.
The stones start outside St. Nicholas Church at the north of the square to the steps of a large equestrian statue dedicated to Charles William Vane-Stewart who became Lord Lieutenant of Durham in 1842.
| 995 | Bones of St Cuthbert brought to Durham |
| 999 | A stone church was built in place of the wooden white church |
| 1006 1038 | The Scots attack Durham but are driven off |
| 1022 | The relics of the Venerable Bede are brought to Durham |
| 1027 | King Canute makes a visit to Durham |
| 1069 | The Normans seize the city of Durham |
| 1072 | William The Conqueror orders the building of Durham Cathedral |
| 1093 | Foundation stone laid for Durham Cathedral |
| 1109 1162 | Bridges are constructed |
| 1132 | A mint is established near Durham Castle |
| 1133 | Durham Cathedral |
| 1180 | A charter is granted for markets to be held outside the castle walls |
| 1346 | The battle of Neville's Cross |
| 1371 | Bishop's throne is built |
| 1429 | Cathedral cloisters are built |
| 1540 | Henry VIII orders dissolution of the monastries |
| 1640-41 | Scottish Covenors occupy Durham |
| 1720 | Mrs Clement developed her mustard |
| 1771 | Durham floods |
| 1787 | Durham infirmary is founded |
| 1790 | Streets are paved and lit by oil lamp |
| 1809 | The building of a new prison began |
| 1832 | Durham University is founded |
| 1836 | Durham City police force was created |
| 1844 | The railway reached Durham |
| 1851 | The Town Hall is rebuilt |
| 1860 | Durham Rowing Club is founded |
| 1869 | First meeting of Durham Miners Association |
| 1871 | First Miner's Gala held |
| 1881 | Durham Light Infantry Established |
| 1993 | Last Durham Coal Mine closed (first mine opened in 12th century) |
| 1987 | Durham Castle and Cathedral declared UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| 2011 | Stone at base of statue commemorates the completion of 'The Heart Of The City' refurbishment project |