View source for Durham Cathedral

{{Short description|Church in Durham, County Durham, England}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox church
| name = Durham Cathedral
| fullname = Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham
| image = Durham MMB 02 Cathedral.jpg
| imagesize = 300px
| imagealt = 
| landscape = 
| caption = Durham Cathedral from the north-west
| pushpin map = United Kingdom Durham
| pushpin label position = 
| pushpin map alt = 
| pushpin mapsize = 
| map caption = Location within Durham
| coordinates = {{coord|54|46|25|N|1|34|34|W|region:GB-DUR|format=dms|display=title}}
| osgraw = <!-- TEXT -->
| osgridref = <!-- {{gbmappingsmall|TEXT}} -->
| location = [[Durham, England|Durham]]
| country = [[England]]
| denomination = [[Church of England]]
| previous denomination = [[Roman Catholic]]
| tradition = [[Broad church]]
| membership = 
| website = {{URL|durhamcathedral.co.uk}}
| former name = 
| bull date = 
| consecrated date = 
| cult = Saint [[Cuthbert]] & Saint [[Bede the Venerable]]
| relics = Saints Cuthbert, Bede & [[Oswald of Northumbria|Oswald]]
| people = 
| status = [[Cathedral]]
| functional status = Active
| heritage designation = [[Listed building|Grade I]] listed
| designated date = 6 May 1952<ref>{{cite web |title=Cathedral Church of Christ and St Mary the Virgin |url=https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1161023?section=official-list-entry |website=National Heritage List for England |publisher=Historic England |access-date=19 September 2022}}</ref>
| previous cathedrals = 
| architect = 
| architectural type = [[Cathedral]]
| style = [[Norman architecture|Norman]]/[[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]], [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]]
| years built = 1093–1133, additions until 1490
| groundbreaking = 
| completed date = 
| construction cost = 
| closed date = 
| demolished date = 
| capacity = 
| length = {{convert|469|ft}} (interior)
| length nave = 
| length choir = 
| width = 
| width nave = {{convert|81|ft}} (incl. aisles)
| width transepts = 
| height = 
| height nave = {{convert|73|ft}}
| height choir = {{convert|74|ft}}
| dome quantity = 
| dome height outer = 
| dome height inner = 
| dome dia outer = 
| dome dia inner = 
| tower quantity = 3
| tower height = {{convert|218|ft}} (central tower)<br/>{{convert|144|ft}} (western towers)
| spire quantity = 0 (2 on western towers until 1658)
| spire height = 
| bells = 10
| bells hung = full circle
| bell weight = {{long ton||28|0|6}}
| archdiocese = 
| metropolis = 
| diocese = [[Diocese of Durham|Durham]]
| diocese start = 635 as Lindisfarne, 995 as Durham
| province = [[Province of York|York]]
| bishop = [[Paul Butler (bishop)|Paul Butler]]
| dean = [[Philip Plyming]]
| chancellor = Charlie Allen
| canon = [[Simon Oliver (priest)|Simon Oliver]] ([[Van Mildert Professor of Divinity|professor]])
| precentor = Michael Hampel (vice-dean)
| pastor = Michael Everitt
| archdeacon = 
| reader = 
| laychapter = Cathy Barnes<br/>Ivor Stolliday (treasurer)
| chapterclerk = Amanda Anderson
| director = [[Daniel Cook (musician)|Daniel Cook]] (organist and master of the choristers)
| organist = [[Joseph Beech (organist)|Joseph Beech]] (sub-organist)
| logo = 
| logosize = 
| logolink = 
| logoalt = 
| embedded = {{Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site
 |child = yes
 |Part_of = [[Durham Castle and Cathedral]]
 |ID = 370
 |Year = 1986
 |Criteria = Cultural: ii, iv, vi
 }}
}}

'''Durham Cathedral''', formally the {{Em|Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham}},<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 July 2023 |title=Notice of Decision of Cathedrals Fabric Commission |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2023-08/cfce_july_2023_form_10s.pdf |access-date=30 November 2023 |website=Church of England }}</ref> is a [[Church of England]] cathedral in the city of [[Durham, England]]. The [[cathedral]] is the seat of the [[bishop of Durham]] and is the [[Mother Church#Cathedral|mother church]] of the [[diocese of Durham]]. It also contains the shrines of the [[Anglo-Saxons|Anglo-Saxon]] saints [[Cuthbert]] and [[Bede]]. There are daily Church of England services at the cathedral, and it received 393,090 visitors in 2024.<ref name="ALVA 2019 visitor numbers">{{cite web |title=ALVA – Association of Leading Visitor Attractions |url=https://www.alva.org.uk/details.cfm?p=423 |access-date=23 October 2020 |website=alva.org.uk}}</ref> It is a [[grade I listed building]] and forms part of the [[Durham Castle]] and Cathedral [[World Heritage Site]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF CHRIST AND ST MARY THE VIRGIN, City of Durham – 1161023 {{!}} Historic England |url=https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1161023 |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=historicengland.org.uk}}</ref><ref name="NHLE 100089">{{NHLE|num=1000089|desc=Durham Castle and Cathedral|access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref>

The cathedral is the successor to the Anglo-Saxon [[Lindisfarne Priory]], which was established {{Circa|635}} but abandoned in 875 in the face of [[Viking Age|Viking]] raids. The monks settled at [[Chester-le-Street]] from 882 until 995, when they moved to Durham. The cathedral remained a monastery until it was [[Dissolution of the monasteries|dissolved]] in 1541, since when it has been governed by a [[Dean of Durham|dean]] and [[Chapter (religion)|chapter]]. The cathedral precinct formed part of Durham Castle from the eleventh century. During the [[Wars of the Three Kingdoms]] the cathedral housed 3,000 Scottish [[Prisoner of war|prisoners of war]], 1,700 of whom died in the building.

A substantial part of the present building was completed between 1093 and 1133, replacing the Anglo-Saxon "White Church".<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Cathedrals of England: North and East Anglia|last1=Pevsner|first1=Nikolaus|last2=Metcalfe|first2=Priscilla|publisher=The Folio Society|year=2005|location=London|pages=24|quote=Most of what makes Durham Durham is of the short space of time between 1093 and 1133, and of that phase [...]it is one of the most perfect and also historically most interesting buildings in Europe.}}</ref> It is a significant example of the [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] architectural style, and the [[nave]] ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed [[rib vault]]. The Galilee chapel was added to the west end of the cathedral in the 1170s, and the western towers built in approximately 1200. The east end was expanded in the [[Early English Gothic]] style in the 1230s, and the [[Perpendicular Gothic]] central tower was built in two stages in the fifteenth century. Important furnishings include the medieval bishop's throne and [[Neville family|Neville]] screen, [[Prior Castell's Clock]], and the seventeenth-century choir stalls and font cover installed by Bishop [[John Cosin|Cosin]]. Many of the monastic buildings survive; the monks' [[refectory]] now contains part of the [[Durham Dean and Chapter Library|cathedral library]], which holds significant collections dating back to the sixth century.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cathedral |first=Durham |title=Durham Cathedral Library |url=https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/explore/treasures-collections/cathedral-library |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=Durham Cathedral}}</ref>

==History==

===Anglo-Saxon===
[[File:UK Durham Dun-Cow.jpg|thumb|left|Legend of the founding of Durham depicted on cathedral]]
The See of Durham takes its origins from the [[Diocese of Lindisfarne]], founded by [[Saint Aidan]] at the behest of [[Oswald of Northumbria]] in about 635, which was translated to [[Bishop of York|York]] in 664. The see was reinstated at Lindisfarne in 678 by the [[Archbishop of Canterbury]]. Among the many [[saint]]s who originated at [[Lindisfarne Priory]], the greatest was [[Saint Cuthbert]], [[Bishop of Lindisfarne]] from 685 until his death in 687, who is central to the development of Durham Cathedral.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05211a.htm |title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Durham (Dunelmum) |access-date=8 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514010433/http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05211a.htm |archive-date=14 May 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>

After repeated [[Viking]] raids, the monks fled from Lindisfarne in 875, carrying Saint Cuthbert's relics with them. The diocese of Lindisfarne remained itinerant until 882, when the monks resettled at [[Chester-le-Street]], 60 miles south of Lindisfarne and 6 miles north of Durham. The see remained at Chester-le-Street until 995, when further Viking incursions once again caused the monks to move with their relics. According to the local legend of the [[Dun Cow#Durham|Dun Cow]] and the saint's [[hagiography]], the monks followed two [[milk maid]]s who were searching for a [[Dun gene|dun]]-coloured cow and found themselves on a [[peninsula]] formed by a loop in the [[River Wear]]. Thereupon, Cuthbert's coffin became immovable, which was taken as a sign that the new shrine should be built on that spot, which became the City of Durham.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cuthbert's Move to Durham: Two Stories |url=https://www.durhamworldheritagesite.com/learn/history/st-cuthbert/body/durham |website=Durham Castle and Cathedral |access-date=12 February 2024}}</ref> A more prosaic set of reasons for the selection of the peninsula is its highly defensible position, and that a community established there would enjoy the protection of the [[Earl of Northumbria]], with whom the bishop at this time, [[Aldhun of Durham|Aldhun]], had strong family connections. Today the street leading from [[The Bailey]] past the cathedral's eastern towers up to Palace Green is named Dun Cow Lane due to the miniature dun cows which used to graze in the pastures nearby.

Initially, a very simple temporary structure was built from local timber to house the relics of Saint Cuthbert. The shrine was then transferred to a sturdier, probably still wooden, building known as the White Church. This church was itself replaced three years later in 998 by a stone building also known as the White Church, which in 1018 was complete except for its tower. Durham soon became a site of pilgrimage, encouraged by the growing cult of Saint Cuthbert. [[King Canute]] was one of the early pilgrims, and granted many privileges and estates to the Durham monks.<ref>http://www.englandsnortheast.co.uk/DurhamCity.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715032649/http://www.englandsnortheast.co.uk/DurhamCity.html |date=15 July 2015 }} ''England's Great Northeast'', ''Durham City History'', Accessed 21 July 2015</ref> The defensible position, flow of money from pilgrims and power embodied in the church at Durham all encouraged the formation of a town around the cathedral, which established the core of the city.

===Norman===
The present cathedral was designed and built under [[William de St-Calais]] (also known as William of St. Carilef).<ref name="TTB">Tim Tatton-Brown and John Crook, ''The English Cathedral'' pp. 26–29.</ref> In 1083 he founded the Benedictine Priory of St. Cuthbert at Durham and having ejected the secular canons (and their wives and children) who had been in charge of the church and shrine of St Cuthbert there, replaced them with monks from the monasteries of Wearmouth and Jarrow. The extensive lands of the church he divided between his own bishopric and the new Priory.<ref>'Houses of Benedictine monks: Priory of St Cuthbert, Durham (later Durham cathedral)', in Victoria County History, Durham: Volume 2, ed. William Page (London, 1907), pp. 86–103. [http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/durham/vol2/pp86-103] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029193457/https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/durham/vol2/pp86-103|date=29 October 2019}}</ref> He appointed [[Aldwin (prior)|Aldwin]] as the first prior.

Bishop William of St. Calais demolished the old Saxon church, and on 11 August 1093, together with Prior [[Turgot of Durham]] (Aldwin's successor), he laid the foundation stone of the great new cathedral.<ref name="Victoria County History, Durham">Victoria County History, Durham</ref> The monks continued at their own expense to build the monastic buildings while the bishop took the responsibility for completing the building of the cathedral.<ref name="Victoria County History, Durham"/> Stone for the new buildings was cut from the cliffs below the walls and moved up using winches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://britishheritage.com/durham-of-the-prince-bishops|title=Durham of the Prince Bishops|publisher=British Heritage|access-date=29 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029180214/https://britishheritage.com/durham-of-the-prince-bishops|archive-date=29 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The primary reason for the cathedral was to house the bodies of St. Cuthbert and the [[Venerable Bede]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/370/|publisher=UNESCO|access-date=29 October 2019|title=Durham Castle and Cathedral|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029130235/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/370/|archive-date=29 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

Since that time many major additions and reconstructions of parts of the building have been made, but the greater part of the structure remains the original [[Norman architecture|Norman]] structure. Construction of the cathedral began in 1093, at the eastern end. The choir was completed by 1096. At the death of Bishop William of St. Calais on 2 January 1096, the Chapter House was ready enough to be used as his burial place. In 1104 the remains of St. Cuthbert were transferred with great ceremony to the new shrine in the new cathedral. The monks continued to look after the Shrine of St Cuthbert until the [[dissolution of the monasteries]].<ref name="Victoria County History, Durham"/>

[[File:Durham Cathedral Nave.jpg|thumb|400px|The [[nave]] in 2019]]

Work proceeded on the nave, the walls of which were finished by 1128, and the high vault by 1135. The [[chapter house]] was built between 1133 and 1140<ref name="JH1">John Harvey, ''English Cathedrals'', p. 129.</ref> (partially demolished in the 18th century). William of St. Carilef died in 1096 before the building was complete and passed responsibility to his successor, [[Ranulf Flambard]], who also built [[Framwellgate Bridge]], the earliest crossing of the [[River Wear]] from the town. Three bishops, [[William of St. Carilef]], Ranulf Flambard and [[Hugh de Puiset]], are all buried in the now rebuilt chapter house.

In the 1170s [[Hugh de Puiset]], after a false start at the eastern end where subsidence and cracking prevented work from continuing, added the [[Galilee (church architecture)|Galilee]] Chapel at the west end of the cathedral.<ref name="CJS">Stranks, ''Durham Cathedral''</ref> The five-aisled building occupies the position of a porch and functioned as a [[Lady chapel]] with the great west door being blocked during the Medieval period by an altar to the [[Virgin Mary]]. The door is now blocked by the tomb of Bishop [[Thomas Langley]]. The Galilee Chapel also holds the remains of the [[Venerable Bede]]. The main entrance to the cathedral is on the northern side, facing the castle.

In 1228 [[Richard le Poore]], [[Bishop of Salisbury]], was [[Translation (ecclesiastical)|translated]] to [[Durham, England|Durham]], having just rebuilt [[Salisbury Cathedral]] in the Gothic style.<ref name="CJS"/> At that moment the eastern end of Durham Cathedral was in urgent need of repair and the proposed eastern extension had failed. Le Poore employed the architect Richard Farnham to design an eastern terminal for the building in which many monks could say the [[Daily Office]] simultaneously. The resulting building was the Chapel of the Nine Altars. In 1250, the original roof of the cathedral was replaced by a vault which is still in place.<ref>{{cite book|title=Encyclopedia of Architectural and Engineering Feats |publisher=ABC-CLIO |url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofar0000lang |url-access=registration |quote=during WW II Durham castle was used as. |date=6 December 2001 |page=[https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofar0000lang/page/99 99]|isbn=157607112X|last1 = Langmead|first1 = Donald|last2 = Garnaut|first2 = Christine}}</ref>

The towers also date from the early 13th century, but the central tower was damaged by lightning and replaced in two stages in the 15th century, the master masons being Thomas Barton and John Bell.<ref name="JH1"/>

The bishop of Durham was the temporal lord of the [[County Palatine of Durham]]. The bishop competed for power with the [[Durham Priory|prior of Durham]], a great landowner who held his own courts for his free tenants. An agreement dated about 1229, known as ''Le Convenit'' was entered into to regulate the relationship between the two magnates.<ref>Abstract from: Cynthia J. Neville, ''The Courts of the Prior and the Bishop of Durham in the Later Middle Ages'', 2002 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1468-229X.00144] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029194817/https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1468-229X.00144|date=29 October 2019}}</ref>

The Shrine of Saint Cuthbert was located in the eastern apsidal end of the cathedral. The location of the inner wall of the apse is marked on the pavement and Saint Cuthbert's tomb is covered by a simple slab. However, an unknown monk wrote in 1593:
{{blockquote|[The shrine] was estimated to be one of the most sumptuous in all England, so great were the offerings and jewells bestowed upon it, and endless the miracles that were wrought at it, even in these last days.|Rites of Durham|<ref name="CJS"/>}}

===Dissolution===
During the [English Reformation] King Henry VIII seized all churches, monasteries, priories and convents owned by the Roman Catholic Church. Durham Cathedral became an Anglican house of worship. Saint Cuthbert's tomb was destroyed in 1538 by order of King [[Henry VIII]],<ref name="TTB"/> and the monastery's wealth was handed over to the king. The body of the saint was exhumed, and, according to the ''Rites of Durham'', was discovered to be [[incorruptibility|uncorrupted]]. It was reburied under a plain stone slab now worn smooth by the knees of pilgrims, but the ancient paving around it remains intact. Two years later, on 31 December 1540, the [[Benedictine monastery]] at Durham was dissolved, and the last [[Prior of Durham]], [[Hugh Whitehead]], became the first [[Dean (Christianity)|dean]] of the cathedral's secular chapter.<ref name="CJS"/>

===17th century===
After the [[Battle of Dunbar (1650)|Battle of Dunbar]] in September 1650, Durham Cathedral was used by [[Oliver Cromwell]] as a makeshift prison to hold Scottish [[prisoners of war]]. It is estimated that as many as 3,000 were imprisoned, of whom 1,700 died in the cathedral itself, where they were kept in inhumane conditions, largely without food, water, or heat. The prisoners destroyed much of the cathedral woodwork for firewood, but [[Prior Castell's Clock]], which featured the [[Scottish thistle]], was spared. It is reputed that the prisoners' bodies were buried in unmarked graves (see further, '21st century' below), and the survivors were shipped as slave labour to the American Colonies.

Bishop [[John Cosin]] (in office 1660–1672), previously a canon of the cathedral, set about restoring the damage and refurnishing the building with new stalls, the litany desk, and the towering canopy over the font. An oak screen to carry the organ was added at this time to replace a stone screen pulled down in the 16th century. On the remains of the old [[refectory]], Dean John Sudbury founded a library of early printed books.<ref name="CJS"/>

===18th and 19th centuries===
[[File:Durham Cathedral (3611606454).jpg|thumb|right|Photo from the late 19th century]]
During the 18th century the Deans of Durham often held another position in the south of England and after spending the statutory time in residence, would depart southward to manage their affairs. Consequently, after Cosin's refurbishment, there was little by way of restoration or rebuilding. When work commenced again on the building, it was not always of a sympathetic nature. In 1777 the architect George Nicholson, having completed Prebends' Bridge across the Wear, persuaded the dean and chapter to let him smooth off much of the outer stonework of the cathedral, thereby considerably altering its character.<ref name="CJS"/> His successor William Morpeth demolished most of the Chapter House.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Curry|first1=Ian|title=Sense and Sensitivity: Durham Cathedral and its Architects (Durham Cathedral Lecture)|date=1985}}</ref> In 1794 [[James Wyatt]] drew up plans to transform the building, including the demolition of the Galilee Chapel, but the chapter later decided against many of the intended changes. Wyatt renewed the 15th-century [[tracery]] of the Rose Window, inserting plain glass to replace what had been blown out in a storm.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Brown|first1=David|title=Durham Cathedral: History, Fabric and Culture|date=2015|publisher=Yale University Press|pages=198–9}}</ref>
[[File:Durham Cathedral - Meridian mark - geograph.org.uk - 7296686.jpg|thumb|left|Durham Cathedral meridian mark (1829)]]
In 1829 the Dean and Chapter authorised the engraving of a meridian line upon the floor and wall of the north cloister. A circular aperture about {{convert|1|in|cm|1}} in the tracery of the adjoining window about {{convert|10|ft|m|0}} above the level of the floor directs a beam of sunlight to fall upon the line at the precise time when the [[Sundial|sun passes the meridian]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Meridian Line |url=http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000612/18290704/021/0002 |newspaper=Durham County Advertiser |location=England |date=4 July 1829 |access-date=19 August 2017 |via = British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription}}</ref> It was constructed by William Lloyd Wharton, of Dryburn in the city, and Mr Carr, then Head Master of [[Durham School]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Gatty |first=Mrs. Alfred |date=1900 |title=The Book of Sun-dials |url=https://archive.org/details/booksundialsori00evangoog|publisher=George Bell & Sons |page=[https://archive.org/details/booksundialsori00evangoog/page/n54 25] }}</ref> In 1847 the architect [[Anthony Salvin]] removed Cosin's wooden organ screen, opening up the view of the east end from the nave,<ref name="Sense and Sensitivity">{{cite book|last1=Curry|first1=Ian|title=Sense and Sensitivity}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Brown|first1=David|title=Durham Cathedral: History, Fabric and Culture|date=2015|publisher=Yale University Press|pages=360–3}}</ref> and in 1858 he restored the [[cloister]]s.<ref>{{National Heritage List for England|num=1121389|desc=Cathedral cloister west range|access-date=1 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{National Heritage List for England|num=1310239|desc=Cathedral cloister southrange|access-date=1 October 2012|fewer-links=yes}}</ref>

The [[Victorian restoration]] of the cathedral's tower in 1859–60 was by the architect [[George Gilbert Scott]], working with [[Edward Robert Robson]] (who went on to serve as Clerk of Works at the cathedral for six years).<ref>''[[Who's Who (UK)|Who Was Who]]'', online edition, [http://www.ukwhoswho.com/view/article/oupww/whowaswho/U202318 ROBSON, Edward Robert] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831090829/http://www.ukwhoswho.com/view/article/oupww/whowaswho/U202318 |date=31 August 2017 }} (subscription required), accessed 13 December 2008</ref> In 1874 Scott was responsible for the marble choir screen and pulpit in the Crossing.<ref name="Sense and Sensitivity"/> In 1892 Scott's pupil [[Charles Hodgson Fowler]] rebuilt the Chapter House as a memorial to Bishop [[Joseph Barber Lightfoot]]. The great west window, depicting the ''[[Tree of Jesse]]'', was the gift of Dean [[George Waddington]] in 1867. It is the work of [[Clayton and Bell]], who were also responsible for the ''[[Te Deum]]'' window in the south transept (1869), the ''[[Four Doctors of the Church|Four Doctors]]'' window in the north transept (1875), and the [[Rose Window]] of ''[[Christ in Majesty]]'' ({{circa|1876}}).<ref>{{cite book|last1=Brown|title=Durham Cathedral|pages=204–14}}</ref> There is also a statue of [[William Van Mildert]] (1826–1836), the last bishop with palatine powers, and driving force behind the foundation of [[University of Durham|Durham University]].
{{multiple image
 | total_width = 800
 | align = centre
 | direction = horizontal
 | image1 = 131369 Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham, seen from the River Wear Durham 20240523 0354.jpg
 | image2 = Durham Cathedral, Nave Tower.JPG
 | image3 = 1161023 Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham, south tower Durham 20240523 0205.jpg
 | footer = The towers at the end of the nave
}}

===20th century===
In the 1930s, under the inspiration of Dean [[Cyril Alington]], work began on restoring the Shrine of Saint Cuthbert behind the high altar as an appropriate focus of worship and pilgrimage, and was resumed after [[World War II]]. The four candlesticks and overhanging [[Canopy (building)|tester]] ({{circa|1950}}) were designed by [[Ninian Comper]]. Two large [[batik]] banners representing Saints Cuthbert and Oswald, added in 2001, are the work of [[Thetis Blacker]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Brown|first1=David|title=Durham Cathedral: History, Fabric and Culture|date=2015|publisher=Yale University Press|pages=253–63}}</ref> Elsewhere in the building the 1930s and 1940s saw the addition of several new stained glass windows by [[Hugh Ray Easton]]. Mark Angus's ''Daily Bread'' window in the north side of the nave, dates from 1984.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Brown|title=Durham Cathedral|pages=215–18}}</ref> In the Galilee Chapel a wooden statue of the ''Annunciation'' by the Polish artist Josef Pyrz was added in 1992, the same year as Leonard Evetts' ''Stella Maris'' window.
[[File:Durham World Heritage Site.JPG|thumb|Durham World Heritage marker]]
In 1986, the cathedral, together with the nearby Castle, became a [[World Heritage Site]]. The [[UNESCO]] committee classified the cathedral under criteria C (ii) (iv) (vi), reporting, "''Durham Cathedral is the largest and most perfect monument of 'Norman' style architecture in England''".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/archive/advisory_body_evaluation/370.pdf |title=Full report (PDF file) |access-date=19 April 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040615200101/https://whc.unesco.org/archive/advisory_body_evaluation/370.pdf |archive-date=15 June 2004 |url-status=live }}</ref> 
In its discussion of the significance of the cathedral, [[Historic England]] provided this summary in their 1986 report:<ref name="NHLE 100089"/><blockquote> The relics and material culture of the three saints buried at the site. The continuity of use and ownership of the site over the past 1000 years as a place of religious worship, learning and residence; The site's role as a political statement of Norman power imposed upon a subjugate nation, as one of the country's most powerful symbols of the Norman Conquest of Britain; The importance of the site's archaeological remains, which are directly related to the site's history and continuity of use over the past 1000 years; The cultural and religious traditions and historical memories associated with the relics of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede, and with the continuity of use and ownership of the site over the past millennium.</blockquote>

===21st century===
[[File:Durham Cathedral from Palace Green 17Feb.jpg|thumb|Durham Cathedral in 2025]]
At the beginning of this century two of the altars in the Nine Altars Chapel at the east end of the cathedral were re-dedicated to Saint Hild of Whitby and [[Saint Margaret of Scotland]]: a striking painting of Margaret (with her son, the future king [[David I of Scotland|David]]) by [[Paula Rego]] was dedicated in 2004.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Brown|first1=David|title=Durham Cathedral: History, Fabric and Culture|date=2015|pages=262–3}}</ref> Nearby a plaque, first installed in 2011 and rededicated in 2017, commemorates the Scottish soldiers who died as prisoners in the cathedral after the Battle of Dunbar in 1650. The remains of some of these prisoners have now been identified in a mass grave uncovered during building works in 2013 just outside the cathedral precinct near Palace Green.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dur.ac.uk/archaeology/research/projects/europe/pg-skeletons|title=Scottish Prisoners Project|access-date=29 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926031543/https://www.dur.ac.uk/archaeology/research/projects/europe/pg-skeletons/|archive-date=26 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2004 two wooden sculptures by [[Fenwick Lawson]], ''Pietà'' and ''Tomb of Christ'', were placed in the Nine Altars Chapel, and in 2010 a new stained glass window of the ''Transfiguration'' by Tom Denny was dedicated in memory of [[Michael Ramsey]], former Bishop of Durham and Archbishop of Canterbury.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Brown|title=Durham Cathedral|pages=218–21}}</ref>

In 2016 former monastic buildings around the cloister, including the Monks' Dormitory and Prior's Kitchen, were re-opened to the public as ''Open Treasure'', an extensive exhibition displaying the cathedral's history and possessions. In the same year, a scale model of the cathedral, made up of 300,000 [[Lego]] bricks and standing {{cvt|5|ft|6|in|m|1}} tall and {{cvt|12|ft|6|in|m|1}} long, was completed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/visit-us/lego-durham-cathedral|title=Durham Cathedral in LEGO|website=durhamcathedral.co.uk|access-date=2019-07-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516002423/https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/visit-us/lego-durham-cathedral|archive-date=16 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tyne-36868397|title=Final brick added to Lego cathedral|date=2016-07-25|access-date=2019-07-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703105022/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tyne-36868397|archive-date=3 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sofii.org/case-study/durham-cathedral-in-lego-innovative-buy-a-brick-fundraising|title=SOFII · Durham Cathedral in LEGO: innovative buy-a-brick fundraising|website=sofii.org|access-date=2019-07-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405062922/http://sofii.org/case-study/durham-cathedral-in-lego-innovative-buy-a-brick-fundraising|archive-date=5 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The model is no longer displayed. In November 2009 the cathedral featured in the light festival [[Lumiere (festival)|Lumiere]] whose highlight was the "Crown of Light"<ref>{{cite web|title=Crown of Light – interview with its designer|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxOIR77ZTbw|publisher=Sky Arrts|access-date=22 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523184156/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxOIR77ZTbw|archive-date=23 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> illumination of the North Front of the cathedral with a 15-minute presentation that told the story of Lindisfarne and the foundation of cathedral, using illustrations and text from the [[Lindisfarne Gospels]]. Lumiere has been repeated biennially since–most recently in 2023.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=[[ITV News]]|title=Lumiere light festival to return to Durham in 2015|url=http://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2015-01-20/lumiere-light-festival-to-return-to-durham-in-2015/|date=20 January 2015|access-date=16 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116183417/http://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2015-01-20/lumiere-light-festival-to-return-to-durham-in-2015/|archive-date=16 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Durham Priory]] held many manuscripts; in the 21st century, steps were under way to digitise the books, originating from the 6th to the 16th century. The project was being undertaken in a partnership by Durham University and Durham Cathedral.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.durhampriory.ac.uk/|title=Durham Priory Library Recreated|date=1 March 2016|publisher=Durham Priory|access-date=29 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029201158/https://www.durhampriory.ac.uk/|archive-date=29 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/durham-priory-library|title=The Cathedral, in partnership with Durham University, is working to digitise the unique Priory Library.|date=1 June 2018|publisher=Durham Cathedral|access-date=29 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029201524/https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/durham-priory-library|archive-date=29 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The cathedral church and the cloister is open to visitors during certain hours each day, unless it is closed for a special event. In 2017 a new "Open Treasure" exhibition area was opened which included a display of [[Saint Cuthbert]]'s coffin and various relics;<ref>{{cite news |title=Cathedral displays 1,300-year-old coffin |work=[[The Times]] |date=29 July 2017 |page=16}}</ref> in 2019 a new exhibit was added, Mapping the World, featuring geographical items from the cathedral's archive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/opening-times|title=Opening Times|access-date=29 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029124258/https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/opening-times|archive-date=29 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://explorar.co.uk/durham/events/cathedral-open-treasure-exhibition-new/|title=Durham Cathedral Open Treasure exhibition 'Mapping the World' includes world's first atlas – in pictures|date=7 October 2019|access-date=29 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029124749/https://explorar.co.uk/durham/events/cathedral-open-treasure-exhibition-new/|archive-date=29 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{multiple image
| total_width       = 800
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| direction         = horizontal
| image1            = 1310239; 1121389 Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham, Cloisters south range; Cloisters west range Durham 20240523 0101.jpg
| image2            = 1310239 Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham, Cloisters south range Durham 20240523 0100.jpg
| image3            = 1121388 Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham, Interior, Cloisters est range Durham 20240523 0097 DxO.jpg
| footer            = The cloisters of Durham Cathedral, seen from above and within
}}

==Architecture==
{{wide image|File:Durham Cathedral from Palace Green.jpg|align-cap=center|800px|Durham Cathedral viewed from [[Palace Green]]}}
[[File:EB 1911 Plan of Durham Cathedral.png|thumb|right|300px|Floor plan]]
There is some evidence that the aisle of the choir had the earliest [[rib vault]]s in England, as was argued by [[John Bilson (architect)|John Bilson]], English architect, at the end of the nineteenth century. Since then it has been argued that other buildings like [[Lessay Abbey]] in north-west France provided the early experimental ribs that created the high technical level shown in Durham. There is evidence in the clerestory walls of the choir that the high vault had ribs. There is controversy between [[John James (Australian architect)|John James]] and [[Malcolm Thurlby]] on whether these [[rib vault]]s were four-part or six-part, which remains unresolved.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Hoey|first1=Lawrence R|last2=Thurlby|first2=Malcolm|date=2004|title=A Survey of Romanesque Vaulting in Great Britain and Ireland|url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0003581500045820/type/journal_article|journal=The Antiquaries Journal|volume=84|pages=117–184|doi=10.1017/S0003581500045820|s2cid=129977924|issn=0003-5815|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Pocock|first=Douglas|title=Durham Cathedral : an architectural appreciation|date=2014|others=Malcolm Thurlby, David Park, Ian Curry, City of Durham Trust|isbn=978-0-902776-12-8|location=Durham [England]|oclc=887106215}}</ref>

The building is notable for the [[rib vault|ribbed vault]] of the [[nave]], with some of the earliest transverse [[pointed arch (architecture)|pointed arches]] supported on relatively slender composite piers alternated with massive drum columns, and lateral abutments concealed within the [[triforium]] over the aisles. These features appear to be precursors of the [[Gothic architecture]] of Northern France, possibly due to the Norman stonemasons responsible, although the building is considered [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] overall. The skilled use of the pointed arch and ribbed vault made it possible to cover far more elaborate and complicated ground plans than before. Buttressing made it possible to build taller buildings and open up the intervening wall spaces to create larger windows.

The [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] description makes this comment about the architectural style:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/370/|title=Durham Castle and Cathedral|publisher=UNESCO|access-date=29 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029130235/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/370/|archive-date=29 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><blockquote>Though some wrongly considered Durham Cathedral to be the first 'Gothic' monument (the relationship between it and the churches built in the Île-de-France region in the 12th century is not obvious), this building, owing to the innovative audacity of its vaulting, constitutes, as do Spire [Speyer] and Cluny, a type of experimental model which was far ahead of its time.</blockquote> Another United Nations web site states that<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.durhamworldheritagesite.com/architecture/cathedral/architectural-importance|title=Durham World Heritage Site|publisher=United Nations|access-date=29 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803095035/https://www.durhamworldheritagesite.com/architecture/cathedral/architectural-importance|archive-date=3 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><blockquote>"the use of stone 'ribs' forming pointed arches to support the ceiling of the nave was an important achievement, and Durham Cathedral is the earliest known example" [and] The nave vault of Durham Cathedral is the most significant architectural element ... because it marks a turning point in the history of architecture. The pointed arch was successfully used as a structural element for the first time here in this building. Semi-circular arches were the type used prior to the adoption of the structural pointed arch—the limitations of which is that their height must be proportionate to their width".</blockquote>

[[Saint Cuthbert]]'s tomb lies at the east in the [[Feretory]] and was once an elaborate monument of cream [[marble]] and gold. It remains a place of pilgrimage. The fragments of [[St Cuthbert's coffin]] are exhibited at the cathedral.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/jul/28/st-cuthberts-coffin-durham-cathedral |title=St Cuthbert's coffin features in new display at Durham Cathedral |date=1 March 2016 |publisher=Fortune |access-date=22 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219025408/https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/jul/28/st-cuthberts-coffin-durham-cathedral |archive-date=19 February 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Burials and memorials==
[[File:Memorial to Edward Maltby, Durham Cathedral.jpg|thumb|200px|Memorial to Edward Maltby, Durham Cathedral]]
The cathedral has been the site of the burials of a number of notable individuals in addition to the major saints, including a large number of churchman. Burials include: [[William de St-Calais]], [[Ranulf Flambard]], [[Geoffrey Rufus]], [[William of St. Barbara]], [[Walter of Kirkham]], [[Robert of Holy Island]] and [[Richard Kellaw]], all in the [[chapter house]]; [[Nicholas Farnham]]; [[John Neville, 3rd Baron Neville]], in the south transept; [[Robert Neville (bishop)|Robert Neville]], Bishop of Durham, in the south aisle; the heart of [[Robert Stitchill]]; Bishop [[Antony Bek (bishop of Durham)|Anthony Bek]]; [[Thomas Sharp (priest)|Thomas Sharp]], in the Galilee chapel; [[Thomas Mangey]], in the east transept; [[Thomas Langley]], whose tomb blocked the Great West Door necessitating the construction of the two later doors to north and south; [[James Pilkington (bishop)|James Pilkington]], at the head of Beaumont's tomb in front of the high altar; [[Alfred Robert Tucker]], outside the cathedral;<ref name="WDL1">{{cite web|title=In Memoriam: Bishop Alfred Robert Tucker, June 19, 1914|date=19 June 1914|url=http://www.wdl.org/en/item/9230|publisher=World Digital Library|access-date=29 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627032821/http://www.wdl.org/en/item/9230/|archive-date=27 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Cyril Alington]], Dean of Durham and author; [[John Robson (priest)|John Robson]], canon of Durham; Bishop [[J. B. Lightfoot]]; and [[Stephen Kemble]], actor of the [[Kemble family]].

Memorials include those to Bishop [[Joseph Butler]], Bishop [[Edward Maltby]], [[John Robert Davison]] [[Queen's Counsel|QC]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]] and Brigadier General [[Herbert Conyers Surtees]].

==Dean and chapter==
The cathedral is governed by the [[Chapter (religion)|chapter]] which is chaired by the [[Dean (Christianity)|dean]]. Durham is a "New Foundation"<ref>{{cite web|title=Cathedrals: An Historical Note|url=http://www.churchofengland.org/media/40671/chapter5.pdf|publisher=Church of England|access-date=23 November 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308020110/http://www.churchofengland.org/media/40671/chapter5.pdf|archive-date=8 March 2016}}</ref> cathedral in which there are not specific roles to which members of the chapter are appointed, with the exception of the Dean and the [[Van Mildert Professor of Divinity]]. The other roles, sub-dean, precentor, sacrist, librarian and treasurer, are elected by the members of the chapter annually. Office holders as at September 2022 were:<ref name="gov">{{cite web |website=Durham Cathedral |title=Governance |url=https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/about-us/governance-durham-cathedral |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929184430/https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/about-us/governance-durham-cathedral |archive-date=29 September 2022 |access-date=29 September 2022 }}</ref> the [[Dean of Durham|Dean]] – Dean-Designate is [[Philip Plyming]], who will be installed as Dean on 16 September 2023;<ref>{{cite web |website=Diocese of Durham |title=Philip Plyming appointed as new Dean of Durham |date=16 June 2023 |url=https://durhamdiocese.org/diocesan-news/-philip-plyming-appointed-as-new-dean-of-durham.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618095107/https://durhamdiocese.org/diocesan-news/-philip-plyming-appointed-as-new-dean-of-durham.php |archive-date=18 June 2023 |access-date=20 June 2023 }}</ref> the Vice-Dean & Canon Precentor – Michael Hampel (since 17 November 2018 installation;<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/about-us/news/michael-hampel-vice-dean-durham-cathedral |title=Canon Michael Hampel returns to Durham Cathedral as Vice-Dean and Precentor |access-date=29 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130053259/https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/about-us/news/michael-hampel-vice-dean-durham-cathedral |archive-date=30 January 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> acting dean since 25 September 2022);<ref name="gov" /> Canon Chancellor – Charlie Allen (since 22 September 2018 installation);<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/about-us/news/canon-chancellor-durham |title=Durham Cathedral |access-date=29 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130053348/https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/about-us/news/canon-chancellor-durham |archive-date=30 January 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Canon Pastor – Michael Everitt (since 22 September 2019 installation);<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/news/durham-cathedral-prepares-for-the-installation-of-the-venerable-michael-everitt|title=Durham Cathedral prepares for the installation of the Venerable Michael Everitt}}</ref> [[Van&nbsp;Mildert Professor of Divinity]] ([[Durham University]]) and Residentiary Canon – [[Simon Oliver (priest)|Simon Oliver]] (since 20 September 2015 installation).<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/durhamcathedral/photos/a.132584729181.104997.8205214181/10153657483724182 Durham Cathedral Facebook] (Accessed 18 January 2018)</ref>

==Music==

===Organ===
In the 17th century Durham had an organ by Smith that was replaced in 1876 by 'Father' Willis ([[Henry Willis & Sons]]), with some pipes being reused in Durham Castle chapel. [[Harrison & Harrison]] worked on the organ from 1880, restored between 1905 and 1935, rebuilt again in 1970 with a new console, and adding a Classically voiced Positive division, and further refurbishments and minor changes in 1981 and 1996. The cases, designed by [[C. Hodgson Fowler]] and decorated by [[Clayton and Bell]] date from 1876 and are in the galleries of the choir.<ref>[http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=N04168 Details of the organ from the National Pipe Organ Register], retrieved 1 March 2013</ref><ref>[https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/worship-music/cathedral-organ Cathedral Organ, Durham Cathedral ], retrieved 29 April 2021</ref>

===Organists===
{{See also|List of musicians at English cathedrals}}
The first organist recorded at Durham was John Brimley in 1557. Notable organists have included the composers [[Thomas Ebdon]] and [[Richard Hey Lloyd]], editor of the Ancient and Modern Revised hymnbook [[John Dykes Bower]], and (as sub-organist) choral conductor [[David Hill (choral director)|David Hill]].

The current Master of the Choristers and Organist is [[Daniel Cook (musician)|Daniel Cook]], having succeeded [[James Lancelot]] in 2017. The Sub-Organist is Joseph Beech.

===Choir===
There is a regular choir of adult [[lay clerk]]s, [[choral scholar]]s and child [[chorister]]s. The latter are educated at the [[Chorister School]]. Traditionally child choristers were all boys, but in November 2009 the cathedral admitted female choristers for the first time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/4714377.History_made_as_girls_sing_at_cathedral/ |title=The Northern Echo: Durham Cathedral has female choristers at service |date=2 November 2009 |access-date=18 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208083020/http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/4714377.History_made_as_girls_sing_at_cathedral/ |archive-date=8 February 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/introduction/news/160 |title=Durham Cathedral – News – Here Come The girls |access-date=18 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604234201/http://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/introduction/news/160 |archive-date=4 June 2011}}</ref> The girls and the boys serve alternately, not as a mixed choir, except at major festivals such as Easter, [[Advent]] and Christmas when the two "top lines" come together.

===Bells===
There are ten bells in the central tower hung for [[change ringing]] in the [[Full circle ringing|English style]]. The tenor weighs {{long ton||28|0|6}}, diameter {{convert|590.5|inch}} tuned to D. Five of the bells (4, 7, 8, 9 and 10) are recognised as historically significant by Church Buildings Council (formerly the Council for the Care of Churches), they were cast in 1693. The remaining bells were cast in 1780 (3), 1781 (5), 1896 (6), 1980 (1 and 2).<ref>{{cite web |title=Durham, Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Cuthbert |url=https://dove.cccbr.org.uk/tower/16115 |website=Dove's Guide for Church Bell Ringers |publisher=Central Council of Church Bell Ringers |access-date=2 June 2023}}</ref>

== Film and television ==
Durham Cathedral has been used as a filming location in a number of cinema and television productions. Because of its distinct Romanesque architecture, the cathedral has doubled as a number of fantasy locations in larger budget film productions, but it has also been seen as itself in a number of television programmes. Movies filmed at the cathedral include: ''[[Jude (film)|Jude]]'' (1996);<ref>{{Citation|title=Jude (1996) – IMDb|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116722/locations|access-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131002305/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116722/locations|archive-date=31 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Elizabeth (film)|Elizabeth]]'';<ref>{{Citation|title=Elizabeth (1998) – IMDb|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0127536/locations|access-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410215733/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0127536/locations|archive-date=10 April 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.movie-locations.com/movies/e/Elizabeth.php|title=Filming Locations for Elizabeth (1997), around the UK|website=The Worldwide Guide to Movie Locations|access-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607202425/http://www.movie-locations.com/movies/e/Elizabeth.php|archive-date=7 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aelarsen.wordpress.com/tag/durham-cathedral/|title=Elizabeth: Why Does Elizabeth Live in a Cathedral? An Historian Goes to the Movies ~ Exploring history on the screen|last=aelarsen|date=2014-09-20|website=Wordpress|access-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617161548/https://aelarsen.wordpress.com/tag/durham-cathedral/|archive-date=17 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Elizabeth (1998)|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0127536/mediaviewer/rm1462799872|access-date=2019-06-17}}</ref> the first two ''[[Harry Potter (film series)|Harry Potter]]'' films, ''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)|Philosopher's Stone]]''<ref>{{Citation|title=Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) – IMDb|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0241527/locations|access-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225091117/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0241527/locations|archive-date=25 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)|Chamber of Secrets]]'';<ref>{{Citation|title=Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) – IMDb|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0295297/locations|access-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820041202/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0295297/locations|archive-date=20 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://happytowander.com/durham-cathedral-in-harry-potter-guide/|title=Durham Cathedral in Harry Potter: A Magical Guide to Locations, Scenes & More!|date=2019-04-01|website=Happy to Wander|access-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617161549/https://happytowander.com/durham-cathedral-in-harry-potter-guide/|archive-date=17 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0241527/mediaviewer/rm2525759232|access-date=2019-06-17}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0241527/mediaviewer/rm3425409280|access-date=2019-06-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=The Making of Harry Potter |title=Hogwarts Castle Model, Art Department |url=https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/explore-the-tour/art-department |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517133810/https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/explore-the-tour/art-department |archive-date=17 May 2019 |access-date=2019-06-17 |website=Warner Bros Studio Tour}}</ref> ''[[Snow White and the Huntsman]]'';<ref>{{Citation|title=Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) – IMDb|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1735898/trivia|access-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104101702/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1735898/trivia|archive-date=4 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1735898/mediaviewer/rm1351333632|title=Chris Hemsworth in Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)|publisher=IMDb|date=2012|access-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317061442/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1735898/mediaviewer/rm1351333632|archive-date=17 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Avengers: Endgame]]'' (2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/news/prepare-to-spot-the-iconic-location-of-durham-cathedral-in-avengers-endgame|title=Prepare to spot the iconic location of Durham Cathedral in Avengers: Endgame|website=durhamcathedral.co.uk|access-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617161546/https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/news/prepare-to-spot-the-iconic-location-of-durham-cathedral-in-avengers-endgame|archive-date=17 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[The Old Oak]].<ref>{{Citation|title=The Old Oak – IMDb|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19883634/}}</ref>

Television programmes shot at the cathedral include: ''[[Treasure Hunt (British game show)|Treasurehunt]]'' (1988);<ref>{{Citation|title="Treasure Hunt" County Durham (TV Episode 1988) – IMDb|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0939484/locations|access-date=2019-06-17}}</ref> ''[[Songs of Praise]]'';<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09m94tq|title=BBC One – Songs of Praise, Epiphany Sunday|publisher=BBC|access-date=2019-06-17}}</ref> ''[[Antiques Roadshow|The Antiques Roadshow]]''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04wm148|title=BBC One – Antiques Roadshow, Series 37, Durham Cathedral 1|publisher=BBC|access-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010095508/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04wm148|archive-date=10 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Britain's Best Buildings]]'' (2002)<ref name="bbc">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/programmes/programme_archive/best_buildings_03.shtml|title=Choosing Britain's Best Buildings|last=Cruickshank|first=Dan|publisher=BBC History|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070512200654/http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/programmes/programme_archive/best_buildings_03.shtml|archive-date=2007-05-12|url-status=dead|access-date=3 June 2008}}</ref> ''[[Climbing Great Buildings]]'' (2010);<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00tr6g1|title=BBC Two – Climbing Great Buildings, Durham Cathedral|publisher=BBC|access-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727192755/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00tr6g1|archive-date=27 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Great British Railway Journeys]]'' (2011);<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00xxr39|title=BBC Two – Great British Railway Journeys, Series 2, Durham to Grosmont|publisher=BBC|access-date=2019-06-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101220442/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00xxr39|archive-date=1 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Richard Wilson: On the Road'';<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep2week3/richard-wilson-road|title=Richard Wilson on the Road Episode 2|website=Press Centre|access-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617161549/https://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep2week3/richard-wilson-road|archive-date=17 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Grayson Perry: All Man|All Man]]'';<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/may/05/grayson-perry-all-man-martial-arts-durham-miners-suicide-masculinity|title=Grayson Perry: All Man review – making touching art out of machismo|last=Mangan|first=Lucy|date=2016-05-05|work=The Guardian|location=London|access-date=2019-06-17|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617161546/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/may/05/grayson-perry-all-man-martial-arts-durham-miners-suicide-masculinity|archive-date=17 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/grayson-perry-banner-goes-show-12127571|title=Grayson Perry banner goes on show with ancient textile relics at Durham Cathedral|last=Whetstone|first=David|date=2016-11-04|website=nechronicle|access-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617161610/https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/grayson-perry-banner-goes-show-12127571|archive-date=17 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Britain's Great Cathedrals'';<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/e/ggyt4v/britains-great-cathedrals-with-tony-robinson--s1-e4-durham-cathedral/|title=Britain's Great Cathedrals with Tony Robinson – S1 – Episode 4: Durham Cathedral|website=Radio Times|access-date=2019-06-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618131220/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/e/ggyt4v/britains-great-cathedrals-with-tony-robinson--s1-e4-durham-cathedral/|archive-date=18 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Durham Cathedral|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt8294096/|access-date=2019-06-18}}</ref> and two [[Catherine Cookson]] adaptations, ''The Tide of Life''<ref>{{Citation|title=The Tide of Life (TV Mini-Series 1996– ) – IMDb|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0126762/locations|access-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101029034105/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0126762/locations|archive-date=29 October 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''The Wingless Bird''.<ref>{{Citation|title=The Wingless Bird (1997–)|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0141988/mediaviewer/rm2458720512|access-date=2019-06-17}}</ref>

== Art, literature and quotations==
[[File:Durham - Turner.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Durham Cathedral by Turner, 1801]]
''Durham Cathedral'', a poem by [[Letitia Landon]], appeared in Fisher's ''Drawing Room Scrap Book'' of 1835, with an engraving of a painting of the interior by [[Thomas Allom]].<ref>{{cite book|last =Landon|first=Letitia Elizabeth|title=Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1835|url=https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=Bzk_AAAAYAAJ&pg=GBS.PA36|section=picture and poetical illustration|page=39|year=1834|publisher=Fisher, Son & Co.}}</ref>
[[File:Grey Towers of Durham Prebends bridge.jpg|thumb|right|250px| "Half church of God, half castle 'gainst the Scot", according to [[Sir Walter Scott]]. Inscription on [[Prebends Bridge]], Durham.]]
"Durham is one of the great experiences of Europe to the eyes of those who appreciate architecture, and to the minds of those who understand architecture. The group of Cathedral, Castle, and Monastery on the rock can only be compared to [[Avignon]] and [[Prague]]." – [[Nikolaus Pevsner]], ''The Buildings of England''

"A dream, I'm bowled over...Imagine a river valley cut into the landscape with wooded sides. The river bends, and in the bend, on the hillside, lies the old town—first the residential town, then separate from it, and higher up, the castle—and then, out on its own, in the midst of tall trees, the enormous cathedral with its twin end towers. From the bridge it is a Romantic dream, a fantasy by [[Karl Friedrich Schinkel|Schinkel]]. This morning in the mist it was wonderful...the first thing that has made my heart pound...the cathedral in itself, just like the [[Matterhorn]] in itself—gigantic, grey, on its own." – Pevsner in a letter to his wife, Lola, on his first English tour in 1930.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Harries |first1=Susie |title=Nikolaus Pevsner: The Life |date=October 2012 |publisher=Pimlico |isbn=978-0-7126-6839-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FjSKfNcjGUsC&pg=PA102|page=102}}</ref>
 
"I paused upon the bridge, and admired and wondered at the beauty and glory of this scene...it was grand, venerable, and sweet, all at once; I never saw so lovely and magnificent a scene, nor, being content with this, do I care to see a better." – [[Nathaniel Hawthorne]] on Durham Cathedral, ''The English Notebooks''

'With the cathedral at Durham we reach the incomparable masterpiece of Romanesque architecture not only in England but anywhere. The moment of entering provides for an architectural experience never to be forgotten, one of the greatest England has to offer.' – [[Alec Clifton-Taylor]], 'English Towns' series on BBC television.

"I unhesitatingly gave Durham my vote for best cathedral on planet Earth." – [[Bill Bryson]], ''[[Notes from a Small Island]]''.

:"Grey towers of Durham
:Yet well I love thy mixed and massive piles
:Half church of God, half castle 'gainst the Scot
:And long to roam those venerable aisles
:With records stored of deeds long since forgot."
— [[Walter Scott]], ''Harold the Dauntless'', a poem of Saxons and Vikings set in [[County Durham]].<ref>The verse is inscribed on a plaque on Prebends Bridge, which still affords the excellent view of the cathedral that inspired it, sometimes known as Scott's View ({{cite journal|jstor=621996|title=Scott's View|journal=Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers|volume=7|issue=3|pages=354–364|last1=Pocock|first1=D. C. D.|year=1982|doi=10.2307/621996}} and {{cite web|url=http://www.walterscott.lib.ed.ac.uk/works/poetry/harold.html|title=Harold the Dauntless|author=Walter Scott|access-date=7 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061004044826/http://www.walterscott.lib.ed.ac.uk/works/poetry/harold.html|archive-date=4 October 2006|url-status=live}})</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200px">
File:Durham-Cathedral.jpg|View from the north-west
File:10 04 09 011 edited-1.jpg|View from the [[River Wear]]
File:1161023 Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham, East Window Durham 20240523 0119 DxO.jpg|East Window
File:1161023 Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham, Interior, South Transsept, Clock Durham 20240523 0029 DxO.jpg|Clock Durham
File:1161023 Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham, Interior, Pulpit Durham 20240523 0059 DxO.jpg|Pulpit Durham
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|Christianity}}
* [[Gothic cathedrals and churches]]
* [[English Gothic architecture]]
* [[Architecture of the medieval cathedrals of England]]
* [[List of church restorations and alterations by Anthony Salvin]]
* [[Durham Cathedral College]]
* [[Palace Green]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
* Brown, David (ed.) (2015) ''Durham Cathedral: History, Fabric and Culture''. New Haven: Yale University Press.
* Clifton-Taylor, Alec (1967) ''The Cathedrals of England''. London: Thames and Hudson
* Dodds, Glen Lyndon (1996) ''Historic Sites of County Durham'' Albion Press
* Harvey, John (1963) ''English Cathedrals''. London: Batsford
* Moorhouse, Geoffrey (2008) ''The Last Office: 1539 and the dissolution of a monastery''. London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
* Myers, Benjamin (2023) "Cuddy". London: Bloomsbury Circus.
* Stranks, C. J. ''The Pictorial History of Durham Cathedral''. London: Pitkin Pictorials
* Tatton-Brown, Tim (2002) ''The English Cathedral''; text by Timothy Tatton-Brown; photography by John Crook. London: New Holland {{ISBN|1-84330-120-2}}

==External links==
{{wikisource|Letitia Elizabeth Landon (L. E. L.) in Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1835/Durham Cathedral|'Durham Cathedral', a poetical illustration<br />by L. E. L.}}
{{Commons category|Durham Cathedral}}
* {{official website|https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/}}
* [http://www.fodc.co.uk/ The Friends of Durham Cathedral]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20181202024624/http://kunsthistorie.com/galleri/index.php?album=England%2FDurham&sortby=name&order=asc%2F Gallery of photos]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140112173805/http://www.widdisons.co.uk/tour/ A Tour of Durham Cathedral & Castle]
* Webcam views: [http://www.dur.ac.uk/physics.astrolab/webcam.html zoomed], [http://www.dur.ac.uk/physics.astrolab/webcam2.html wide angle]
* [https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/1511841.stm Voted "Britain's Favourite Building" in BBC Radio 4 poll, 2001]
* [http://www.thenortheast.fsnet.co.uk/DurhamCathedral.htm A history of Durham Cathedral]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110720003456/http://www.ofchoristers.net/Chapters/Durham.htm A history of Durham Cathedral choristers and choir school]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060909144430/http://paradoxplace.com/Photo%20Pages/UK/Britain_Yorkshire_and_North/Durham_Cathedral/Durham.htm Adrian Fletcher's Paradoxplace – Durham Cathedral Pages – Photos]
* [https://www.jstor.org/stable/622487 Place Evocation: The Galilee Chapel]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061216092907/http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/usp.nsf/pws/Council+and+Democracy+-+County+Durham+Books Local History Publications from County Durham Books]
* [https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/20191 Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Durham] – from [[Project Gutenberg]]
* [http://www.hotels-uk-accommodation.co.uk/articles/durham-cathedral/ Durham Cathedral – Tourist Guide to Durham Cathedral]

{{World Heritage Sites in the United Kingdom}}
{{Cathedrals of the Church of England}}
{{Deans of Durham}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Durham Cathedral| ]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in England]]
[[Category:Churches in Durham, England]]
[[Category:English churches with Norman architecture]]
[[Category:English Gothic architecture in County Durham]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in County Durham]]
[[Category:Anglican cathedrals in England]]
[[Category:Grade I listed cathedrals]]
[[Category:Grade I listed churches in County Durham]]
[[Category:1093 establishments in England]]
[[Category:Pre-Reformation Roman Catholic cathedrals]]
[[Category:Anthony Salvin buildings]]
[[Category:Basilicas (Church of England)]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1133]]
[[Category:Churches completed in the 1130s]]
[[Category:12th-century church buildings in England]]
[[Category:Places of worship used as prisons]]