[1] It was named after Durham County, which lies on the north side of the Hunter River.

It was created by the 1843 Electoral Districts Act and initially returned one member.

The district was represented by the Legislative Assembly electorate of Durham Richard Windeyer died in December 1847.

The returning officer had neglected to make any preparations for a poll and so declared Donaldson elected.

[13] The election was declared void by the court of disputed returns and a new writ issued.