durham cathedral

Cards (32)

  • What features characterize Norman Romanesque architecture?
    Huge proportions, thick walls, rounded arches
  • What does the scale and grandeur of Durham Cathedral symbolize?
    Dominance and permanence of Norman rule
  • To which structure was Durham Cathedral's proportions compared?
    St Peter’s Basilica in Rome
  • What innovative technique was used in the construction of Durham Cathedral?
    The ribbed vault
  • How did the ribbed vault contribute to the cathedral's structure?
    It allowed for a more impressive and stable structure
  • What geographical feature did the Normans utilize when building Durham Cathedral?
    High ground overlooking the River Wear
  • What does the site of Durham Cathedral indicate about continuity with Anglo-Saxon England?
    It was previously home to a Saxon church
  • How did the Normans blend old and new architectural styles in Durham Cathedral?
    By retaining elements of earlier English church designs
  • What elements of Anglo-Saxon design were retained in Durham Cathedral?
    Layout of the basilica with nave, transepts, quire
  • How did the integration of Anglo-Saxon techniques affect the cathedral's design?
    It helped bridge cultural and religious divides
  • What decorative elements are found in Durham Cathedral?
    Norman geometric patterns and Anglo-Saxon motifs
  • What was the significance of the cathedral's dedication to Saint Cuthbert?
    It aimed to win local support and loyalty
  • How did the construction of Durham Cathedral serve a political purpose?
    It asserted Norman dominance over conquered land
  • Who was the first prince-bishop of Durham Cathedral?
    William of Saint Calais
  • What dual role did the prince-bishop serve?
    Religious leader and secular lord
  • What broader governing structure did William I introduce in England?
    Replaced Anglo-Saxon aristocracy with Normans
  • How many Norman tenants-in-chief did William I introduce?
    200 Norman tenants-in-chief
  • What was the purpose of the castle-building programme across England?
    To maintain military control over territories
  • How many motte-and-bailey castles did the Normans build?
    Over 800 motte-and-bailey castles
  • What did the establishment of Durham Cathedral symbolize in terms of religious authority?
    Restructuring of the English Church hierarchy
  • How did the Normans reform the English Church hierarchy?
    Replaced many Anglo-Saxon bishops with Normans
  • Who was Archbishop Lanfranc?
    A reformer of the English Church
  • What was the significance of St Cuthbert's relics in Durham Cathedral?
    They legitimized Norman rule through continuity
  • How did the Normans profit from the pilgrimage to Durham Cathedral?
    Economically from the influx of pilgrims
  • What religious values did Durham Cathedral reflect?
    Norman religious values and papal reforms
  • What reforms did the Normans implement in the English Church?
    Eradicated simony and enforced clerical celibacy
  • What did the establishment of a Benedictine monastery at Durham exemplify?
    Commitment to religious reform
  • What did the monks of Durham adhere to?
    The Rule of St. Benedict
  • How did the construction of Durham Cathedral impact the local economy?
    Stimulated local economy through resources and trade
  • What role did the Benedictine monks of Durham play in the region?
    Promoted education, scholarship, and the arts
  • What became important centres for manuscript production in Durham?
    The cathedral's library and scriptorium
  • What broader cultural movement did the cathedral contribute to in the 12th century?
    The European cultural renaissance