Durham Cathedral is a breathtaking monument to faith, art, and history. Built nearly a millennia ago, it remains one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in England and a testament to the skill and dedication of medieval craftsmen. As a historian, I find myself endlessly fascinated by this magnificent structure and the complex history it embodies. In this article, we‘ll delve into the question of when exactly Durham Cathedral was built and explore the historical context that shaped its construction.
The Early Years: The White Church
The story of Durham Cathedral begins in 995 AD, when a group of monks from Lindisfarne arrived in Durham, carrying with them the sacred relics of St. Cuthbert. They settled on a strategic high ground in a loop of the River Wear and established a new community. Here, they built a stone church to house St. Cuthbert‘s remains, which became known as the "White Church." This church stood for nearly 100 years and became an important place of pilgrimage in the North of England.
The Norman Conquest and the Prince Bishops
The 11th century brought great change to England with the Norman Conquest in 1066. The Normans, under William the Conqueror, introduced a new feudal system and a new architectural style – the Romanesque. It was in this context that William of St. Carilef, the Norman-appointed Bishop of Durham, decided to build a grander, more impressive cathedral church on the site of the old White Church.
The Bishops of Durham, also known as the Prince Bishops, were uniquely powerful in medieval England. They were granted secular authority over the region by the King, in addition to their religious role. This political and economic power was crucial in enabling the construction of such a grand cathedral.
The Construction Begins: 1093 AD
In 1093, construction on the present Durham Cathedral began. The main body of the cathedral was built in the Norman Romanesque style, characterized by massive round pillars, rounded arches, and thick stone walls. This style, introduced by the Normans, was a stark contrast to the earlier Anglo-Saxon architecture.
The Romanesque style was not merely an aesthetic choice, but also a symbolic one. The solidity and grandeur of the architecture was meant to convey the strength and permanence of the Norman rule and the Catholic Church. The cathedral was designed to inspire awe and reverence in the faithful.
Over the next 40 years, the main phase of construction was largely completed. The cathedral was dedicated in 1133 AD. However, construction and alterations would continue for centuries to come.
Later Additions and Changes
In the late 12th century, the Galilee Chapel was added to the west end of the cathedral, serving as a Lady Chapel. This chapel is notable for its unique style, which is a blend of Norman and Gothic elements. The elegant, pointed arches of the chapel foreshadow the coming Gothic style.
In the 13th century, the two Western Towers were added, originally topped with spires that have not survived. These towers add to the cathedral‘s impressive silhouette and served as landmarks for pilgrims and travelers.
Also in the 13th century, the nave‘s original wooden ceiling was replaced with a stunning rib-vaulted Gothic ceiling. This is an early example of the Gothic style, which would come to dominate cathedral architecture in the later medieval period. The pointed arches and ribbed vaults create a sense of height and lightness, in contrast to the solidity of the Norman Romanesque.
Perhaps the most dramatic change came in the 15th century, when the central tower was rebuilt in the Perpendicular Gothic style after the Norman tower was damaged by lightning. This tower, which reaches a height of 218 feet (66m), features bold vertical lines and large windows, and is now one of the most recognizable landmarks in North East England.
The Importance of the Relics
No discussion of Durham Cathedral would be complete without mentioning the relics it was built to house – those of St. Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. St. Cuthbert, a 7th-century monk and bishop, was revered in the North of England and his relics were believed to have miraculous properties. The Venerable Bede, an 8th-century monk and scholar, was one of the most learned men of his time and is often considered the father of English history.
The presence of these relics made Durham Cathedral a major place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages. Pilgrims would travel from far and wide to pray at the shrines of these saints and seek their intercession. This pilgrimage trade was a significant source of income for the cathedral and the town of Durham.
19th Century Restorations
Like many ancient buildings, Durham Cathedral has undergone numerous restorations over the centuries. The Victorian era saw particularly extensive restoration work, led by the architect George Gilbert Scott. Scott‘s work included repairs to the towers, renovation of the Shrine of St. Cuthbert, and the addition of new stained glass windows.
While these restorations were undertaken with the best intentions, they were not always historically accurate. The Victorians often had a romantic view of the medieval period and their restorations sometimes reflected this, rather than the original design. Nevertheless, these restorations helped to ensure the cathedral‘s survival into the modern era.
Durham Cathedral Today
Today, Durham Cathedral is recognized as one of the most significant examples of Norman architecture in Europe. In 1986, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Durham Castle. This designation recognizes the cathedral‘s outstanding universal value as a cultural and historical monument.
The cathedral remains a living, working church, with daily services and a thriving congregation. It is also a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its architecture and history.
Ongoing conservation and restoration work ensures that this magnificent building will continue to stand for generations to come. Recent projects have included repairs to the central tower and conservation of the cathedral‘s unique medieval cloisters.
Conclusion
Durham Cathedral is a fascinating palimpsest of architectural styles and historical periods. From its beginnings in 1093 as a Norman Romanesque cathedral, through its Gothic additions and Victorian restorations, each era has left its mark on the fabric of the building.
But more than just an architectural marvel, Durham Cathedral is a testament to the faith, skill, and dedication of the countless individuals who have built, maintained, and worshipped in it over the centuries. It stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring human spirit and the heights of artistic and engineering achievement possible in the medieval world.
As a historian, I am endlessly grateful for the opportunity to study and learn from this remarkable building. Durham Cathedral is not just a static monument to the past, but a living link to our shared history and a source of inspiration for the future.
Sources
- Russo, T. E. (2013). Durham Cathedral: History, Fabric and Culture.
- Coldstream, N. (2002). Medieval Architecture. Oxford University Press.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). Durham Castle and Cathedral.
- Durham World Heritage Site. (n.d.). History of Durham Cathedral.
- The Chapter of Durham. (n.d.). A brief history of Durham Cathedral.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the Sanctuary Knocker on the cathedral‘s northern door served an important purpose in medieval times? Those who had committed a crime could rap the knocker and would be given 37 days of sanctuary within which they could try to reconcile with their enemies or plan their escape.
Why Visit? Durham Cathedral is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or religion. Climbing the tower provides stunning views over Durham, while the cloister offers a peaceful retreat. Don‘t miss the medieval carved pews in the Choir with their comical misericords!
[Image: Exterior view of Durham Cathedral]
| Location | Durham, England |
| Date | 1093-1133 (main construction) |
| Architectural Style | Norman Romanesque, with Gothic additions |
| Notable Features | Central tower, Western towers, Galilee Chapel, Cloister |
| Height of Central Tower | 218 feet (66m) |
