Durham Cathedral Case Study Flashcards
(25 cards)
How did large, grand cathedrals help the Normans to keep control?
Could be seen from miles around, imposing, showed wealth, built in important places such as Durham or Hereford.
How did large, grand cathedrals show how religious the Normans were?
Cathedrals were built as a devotion to God in stone. Many were built on pilgrimage sites such as Durham. Showed the Norman religious faith. Important to keep Catholic (Pope) support.
What style of architecture did the Normans use?
Romanesque. (This was popular in Europe)
What are the features of Romanesque architecture?
Large, round stone pillars, square high towers, round arch windows and doorways, symmetry (repeating design features).
How were Saxon churches different?
Smaller, plain, few windows. Normans thought that they were old fashioned.
What is a bishopric?
Area controlled by a bishop. Usually a group of parishes (local churches) under the leadership of a bishop in a Cathedral. Churches around Chipping Campden were under the bishopric of Worcester in the Norman period.
Who was the first Norman bishop in Durham?
The Normans allowed the Saxon Bishop Ethelwine to swear loyalty to them and stay in power until he died in 1071. They did not replace bishops as quickly as earls/nobles because they were not a military threat.
Why did the Normans build a cathedral in Durham? (Religious reason)
There was already an important Saxon shrine to St. Cuthbert (a well known monk) in the Great Church of Durham. There was a large monastery attached. The Normans decided to develop these after 1080.
What were pilgrims?
Pilgrims travelled to Catholic sites visiting shrines. They would offer donations to the cathedral. Durham housed the tomb of St. Cuthbert and was already a popular pilgrimage site.
What reforms were done to the monastery?
Monks were not following rules e.g. married. They were forced to become Benedictine monks and follow the rules or they were replaced.
Why did the Normans build a cathedral in Durham? (Political reason)
The bishop of Durham was given a lot of power to keep the north east under contol. In 1069 the Norman earl was murdered, however the bishop warned the king. After the siege of Durham castle in 1080 the new bishop wanted a large, intimidating castle and cathedral to keep control. The bishop worked as an ambassador to Scotland.
What was a Prince Bishop?
These bishops could rule like a king. He could have an army, collect taxes and make coins so that he could defend the area for the King. Durham had a Prince Bishop from 1081 to rule Northumberland (north east)
Which Prince Bishop called for the Great Church (Saxon) to be replaced by the magnificent Durham Cathedral?
William of St Calais (he was a monk and head of an abbey in Normandy) He swore loyalty to William Rufus after originally supporting his brother Robert’s claim to the throne when William I died.
When did they start constructing Durham Cathedral?
1093 (27 years after the Norman conquest started)
Why did the Normans build a cathedral in Durham? (Military reason)
The cathedral worked as a symbol of Norman power in the north east intimidating and disuading invasions from the Scottish and the Vikings as well as rebellions. It was built next to a castle in a natural bend in the River Wear for defence.
What new methods were introduced to Durham (to bring English religion in line with the church in Normandy and Europe)?
Benedictine rules in the monastery, large donation of books to encourage education, greater use of latin, art e.g. border patterns and illustrating the first letter on a page in a book, embroidery and carving
When was the main part of Durham cathedral finished?
1133 (took 40 years). Cathedrals have constantly been updated throughout history.
Why were most Norman Cathedrals built in cross shape?
It represents the cross on which Jesus died.
What was the design of Durham based on?
St Peter’s Basillica in Rome (current home of the Pope)
Why did William St Calais include shrines to saints in the rebuilding of Durham?
To encourage pilgrims to keep visiting. They brought money/donations. Also maintained the publicity of Durham in the area which helped to maintain control.
Why do cathedrals have lots of small chapels attached around the sides.
These chapels are for private prayer. Wealthy people could pay to have these built adding to the wealth of the cathedral. Some of these house the shrines.
Not all cathedrals have a cloister. What is the cloister for?
This was for the monks to study, pray and exercise. Cathedrals with monasteries tend to have cloisters like Durham or Gloucester.
What unique design features does Durham have?
Islamic design (intersecting arches), kept zig zag patterns in the stone to link to Anglo Saxons (this is called Anglo Norman design),
What new technology was used?
Pointed arch in the nave so that the Cathedral roof could be higher and windows bigger. This was new in Norman architecture as they tended to prefer rounded arches as seen in Hereford Cathedral. Also ribbed stone vaults (no wood) to hold up the roof. This became the main feature of cathedrals across Europe by the 1500s.
