History (Durham Cathedral)

• What architectural style is Durham Cathedral built in?

  Norman, or Romanesque
• Why were churches in Normandy before 1066 of moderate size?

  Due to limited wealth available for construction
• What motivated William to construct castles after his victory at Hastings?

  To maintain authority over his newly-conquered kingdom
• What type of castles did William build across England?

  Earth-and-timber castles
• What was the purpose of the great keeps in the castles?

  To provide safe living quarters for Norman lords
• How did the castles help control the surrounding countryside?

  By intimidating the local population
• When was the castle built at Durham for Prince Bishop William Walcher?

  1072
• What powers did Prince Bishops hold?

  They had the power of a Bishop and an Earl
• What was the role of the Prince Bishop in Durham?

  To govern the region with military and political power
• Why was Durham strategically important before the Norman Conquest?

  It housed a church as a shrine to St Cuthbert
• Who was St Cuthbert?

  A Northumbrian monk with many attributed miracles
• Where were St Cuthbert's remains originally kept?

  At Lindisfarne
• Why did the monks move St Cuthbert's relics in 875?

  Due to frequent Viking raids
• Where did the monks settle after moving St Cuthbert's relics?

  Chester-le-Street
• What was built in Durham in 995 to house St Cuthbert's tomb?

  The White Church
• How did the Normans incorporate Anglo-Saxon beliefs into their cathedrals?

  By respecting the tradition of worshipping saints
• Why was it financially beneficial for the Normans to build cathedrals with saintly relics?

  It attracted pilgrims and generated income
• What did William of St Carileph begin in September 1092?


  The demolition of the Great Church
• Why was Durham's location strategically important for the Normans?

  It dealt with Viking threats and local rebellions
• What natural feature helped defend Durham Cathedral and the castle?

  The steep river banks of the River Wear
• What did the cathedral represent in relation to Norman authority?

  A spiritual power that suggested resistance was against God's will
• How many levels did Durham Cathedral typically have above ground?

  Three levels
• What characterized the internal design of Durham Cathedral?

  Order, symmetry, and proportion
• Why were the design features of Durham Cathedral considered imposing?

  They created a sense of grandeur for visitors
• What was the purpose of the narrow, high windows in Durham Cathedral?

  To provide symbolic light rather than illumination
• What was the nave used for in Durham Cathedral?

  As a courtroom, meeting place, refuge, and place of worship
• Where was the altar placed in Durham Cathedral?

  At the eastern end
• What was the function of the massive tower in Durham Cathedral?

  To bring light into the central area
• What was the quire used for in a monastic cathedral like Durham?

  For the seating area of the monks
• What was the purpose of the cloister at Durham Cathedral?

  To serve as the center of the monastic community
• How did Edward the Confessor influence church design in England?

  By rebuilding Westminster Abbey in the Norman style
• What materials did Edward the Confessor use in his church designs?

  Caen stone from Normandy
• What architectural features were inspired by the first crusades in Durham Cathedral?

  Ribbed vaults, pointed arches, and flying buttresses
• Which basilica influenced the design of Durham Cathedral?

  St Peter's Basilica in Rome
• What did the master craftspeople from Normandy contribute to Durham Cathedral?

  They brought their own style and techniques
• How did the builders solve technical problems at Durham Cathedral?

  By using pointed arches and rib-vaulted ceilings
• What was the effect of the rib-vaulted stone ceiling in Durham Cathedral?

  It allowed for greater height and more light
• What happened to Bishop Æthelwine in 1066?


  He was forced to resign due to a financial scandal
• Who replaced Bishop Æthelwine after his resignation?

  His brother, Æthelwine
• What was the outcome of the rebellion against Tostig, Earl of Northumbria?


  Tostig was exiled from the country