The name Elvet is recorded as Aelfetee in circa 800 AD and in the 12th century as Aeluete and Eluete.

[2][3] The Swan and Three Cygnets, a public house on Elvet Bridge, is a reminder of the historical name given to this part of the city.

Other attempts at the etymology of Elvet include identification with the epithet Elfed in the name of Madog, a hero in Y Gododdin.

The Crown Court centre was originally built for the Durham Assizes and is a grade II* listed building.

[31] Dunelm House, a grade II listed building, is located on New Elvet.

[32] Shire Hall, a grade II listed building,[33] is located on Old Elvet.

[34][35] Ustinov College operates three student residences (houses 29, 34 and 38) on Old Elvet; The Swan is unnumbered but located immediately beside 38.

[66] Its site is now occupied by Durham Magistrates' Court and the university's Parson's Field buildings.