Durham Cathedral

Question 1

Why was Durham cathedral built on dunholme in Durham?

Answer 1

• Good défensive location- river around it and on a hill
• Important to have a stronghold in the north to control rebellions
• Existing Anglo-Saxon church and shrine at dunholme
• They wanted to make money from St Cuthbert’s relics and shrine and make it a site of pilgrimage

Question 2

What were the main functions of Durham cathedral?

Answer 2

• Shrine and pilgrimage site for the bones of st cuthbert - generated income
• Demonstation of Norman power and control in the North
• Major Benedictine monastery in the north
• Infirmary school and library
• A way of extracting money from the north of England (tithes)

Question 3

Who were the key individuals and groups involved in Durham cathedral?

Answer 3

•William placed the bishop of Durham in charge of Northumbria to protect it from Scottish invasion
•William St Calais became the first prince bishop in 1081. The prince bishops had their own armies, made their own laws and had their own coins.
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Question 4

How does a study of Durham cathedral show Norman changes in the church?

Answer 4

• Normans had increased control of the church eg William st Calais expelled Durham clergy who refused his Benedictine reforms
• The Normans introduced strict Benedictine rule- bendictine monastery attached to Durham cathedral
• Fashions of the church changed- Durham cathedral built in Romanesque style (cylindrical pillars with bold patterns)