Durham Cathedral Flashcards
Bishop 1
Bishop Of Athelwine
1056-71 chosen by Edward the confessor
Focused on defending the North from threats
Striped of his title after opposing William
Died in captivity
Bishop 2
William Walcher
1071-80 appointed by William as first Norman Bishop of Durham
Reorganised the church and played a key admin role
Struggled with control of the north - assasignated
Bishop 3
William of Saint Calais
1081-96
Chosen by William I to bring stability and consolidate Norman power
Began the construction of current Norman Cathedrals
Skilled administrator and political player, was involved in a rebellion of Willliam II - shaped Durhams legacy
Bishop 4
Ranulf Flambard
1099-1128
Appointed by William II
Oversaw work/construction which was begun by William of Saint Calais
Known for political and financial management
Competition of the cathedral
Location of Durham
Region of Northumbria and border of Scotland
Chosen on a bend in the river Wear
Anglo-Saxon church built there at the shrine of St Cuthebert
Built in central Durham to attract more pilgrims and visitors
Structure Overall
Designed to impress both in and out
Three levels with incredibly thick walls
Romanesque style
principles of order, symmetry and decorated pattern collumns
- small windows
- pointed arches
- flying buttresses
- ribber vaults
- barrel and groin vaults
Prince Bishop Roles
Trusted more than nobles
- collect taxes
- mint coins
- raise an army
Religious purposes of Durham
- pilgrimage
- housing benedictine monastry
- everyday services
Other functions of Durham
- education centre
- symbol of Norman authority
- economic hub
Harrying of the north
Post this North durham was a key population centre, using the cathedral to help establish and consolidate their presence in the north
More on structure
Elevation - built high spires / towers
West work - elaborate western entrance
Barrel and going vaults - support weight of huge stone roofs
Arches - rounded arches for doors and windows
Influences of Durham
Caen stone
Pale fine-grained limestone from Normandy was used
Influences of Durham
Ribbed vaults, flying buttresses and intersecting arches
From crusades and Spain
Influences of Durham
Spiral collumns
Match St Peters shrine to Cuthbert and Bedes
