Durham Cathedral

PlanetWare.com > Europe > England > Durham, England / Northern England > England - Northeast Coast > Durham

Hotels

Description

Whether approached from the narrow streets of the Old City across Palace Green, or from the banks of the Wear over Prebend's Bridge, Durham Cathedral is an awe-inspiring sight. Completion of this, one of the great Anglo-Norman churches, took only a relatively short span of time, with few subsequent alterations. The nave, north and south transepts and four west bays of the choir were all built between 1093 and 1133. By 1175 the Galilee Chapel had been added to the west end, and between 1217 and 1222 the two west towers were raised. Between 1242 and 1280 the east end was modified, the Chapel of the Nine Altars replacing the existing apse. Finally, in 1490, the central tower was partly rebuilt.

Visitors enter the cathedral by the northwest door (12th century), famous for its sanctuary knocker. In medieval times fugitives would knock here, hoping to find sanctuary in the cathedral. A constant watch was kept by a guard posted in a little room above.

It is one of the best examples of British Romanesque architecture (called Norman in England).

Hobbies & Activities category: Architecture - Medieval; Towers, monuments, observation deck; Architecture - Romanesque; Christian sites; Religious treasury; UNESCO World Heritage Site

Attractions within Durham Cathedral

Barrington Tomb

At the corner of the aisle and south transept stands a statue of Bishop Barrington (1734-1826), penultimate holder of the title of Prince-Bishop. An enlightened man, he not only patronized the arts

... More >

Bishop's Throne

The Bishop's throne (14th century), "the highest in Christendom" is ensconced above the memorial and tomb of Bishop Hatfield (1345-81), founder of Durham College and of Trinity College, Oxford.

Cathedral Monastic Buildings

The early 15th century cloisters are entered from the east via the Late Norman Prior's Doorway. On the west side, the Monks' Dormitory (1398-1404) houses an unparalleled collection of early

... More >

Cathedral Nave

The Norman nave astonishes just through its size (200ft/61m long, almost 40ft/12m wide and 72ft/22m in height); massive piers and columns support the vaulted ceiling, one of the earliest in England

... More >

Galilee Chapel

To the right of the entrance to Durham Cathedral, built on to the original west facade, is the Galilee Chapel. The graceful columns and arches of this Late Romanesque-Norman masterpiece are

... More >

Miners' Memorial

In the south aisle of the nave of Durham Cathedral, the Miners' Memorial (1947) and associated 17th century frieze of the Passion commemorate the men of Durham's premier industry.

Neville Chantry

Along the aisle in the Neville Chantry, the more easterly of the grave effigies is that of Ralph Neville (died 1367), victor of the Battle of Neville Cross (1346), who fought with and captured the

... More >

Prior Castell's Clock

On the end wall of Durham Cathedral's south transept is Prior Castell's Clock (early 16th century). The chancel, ahead, has 17th century choir stalls.

St Cuthbert's Shrine

The Chapel of the Nine Altars, a sympathetic Gothic replacement (1242-1280) for the original Norman apse, contains the shrine of Saint Cuthbert (died 687). The tomb was broken open in 1827; some of

... More >

Treasury Museum

The Treasury Museum in Durham Cathedral has relics representing over 900 years of cathedral history. There are pieces from St. Cuthbert, bishop's rings and seals and embroidered capes. You will

... More >

Do-It-Yourself Tours

Durham Cathedral Walking Tour

Address

Durham Cathedral / Treasury Museum
Chapter Office, The College
Durham DH1 3EL
United Kingdom

http://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk

Hours

June 17 to September 8

Open	7:45	7:45	7:45	7:45	7:45	7:45	7:45
Closed	20:00	20:00	20:00	20:00	20:00	20:00	20:00

September 9 to June 16

Open	7:45	7:45	7:45	7:45	7:45	7:45	7:45
Closed	18:15	18:15	18:15	18:15	18:15	18:15	17:00