Durham Cathedral is the most visited attraction in the city and has been a place of worship and hospitality for almost a 1000 years…
Living just a few miles away, Durham is a place I often venture into with my trusty Nikon as it always has something different to offer. The cathedral was built back in 1093 to house the Shrine of St Cuthbert, Durham Cathedral and is renowned for its magnificent Romanesque architecture.
Sanctuary Knocker
The famous ‘sanctuary knocker’ coupled with its hand ring that hangs from the beast’s mouth was intended for pulling rather than for knocking or banging on the big oak entrance doors.
A perfect replica, pictured above, of the twelfth century original which is now under lock and key, within the cathedral museum’s treasured collection.
James Britton
Among the various tombs and monuments in Durham Cathedral is the reclining figure (1839) of James Britton, a nineteenth century headmaster of Durham School.
The Nave
Another magnet for visitors is the main body of the Cathedral which includes the Nave and the chancel, with many other smaller chapels dotted around the peripheral of the cathedral, including the Durham Light Infantry Chapel, Galilee Chapel, and the Chapel of the Nine Altars.
On closer inspection, the Nave has imperious cylindrical pillars which have deep intricate, strategical and meaningful carvings. There are diamond / chevron zig-zag patterns that were originally thought to be painted. The spirals, which are found on pillars closer to the High Altar, are said to represent the prayers of worshippers rising up to the heavens.
Light a Candle
Many people like to light a candle as a sign of prayer, which continues to burn after they have left the cathedral. You can also write your prayer on a piece of paper and leave it in the basket which can be read out at a service.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Length | 469 feet (143 m) (interior) |
| Nave width | 81 feet (25 m) (incl. aisles) |
| Nave height | 73 feet (22 m) |
| Choir height | 74 feet (23 m) |
| Number of towers | 3 |
| Tower height | 218 feet (66 m) (central tower) 144 feet (44 m) (western towers) |
| Number of spires | 0 (2 on western towers until 1658) |
| Bells | 10 (full circle) |
| Tenor bell weight | 28 long cwt 0 qr 6 lb (3,142 lb or 1,425 kg) |
If you would like this or a similar print, please message me via our Facebook Page
I can also create something specifically to your taste.
