OPPapers.com Essay Index >> History Other >> Durham Cathedral
We have many free term papers and essays on Durham Cathedral. We also have a wide variety of research papers and book reports available to you for free. You can browse our collection of term papers or use our search engine.
Durham Cathedral. Durham Cathedral Durham Cathedral is one of the oldest examples
of Romanesque architecture present in England today. ...
... The Romanesque structures include Durham Cathedral, England; the Benedictine Monastery
in Cluny, France; Sainte Foy Abbey in Southern France; Speyer Cathedral ...
... Norman architecture, Durham cathedral (1093) being one example was a pivotal point
in the churches influence in the development of architecture and paved the ...
... It was a rather paltry attempt, which culminated in ‘rebels entering Durham Cathedral
and restoring the altars and the Catholic mass’ (McGrath (1967) p66). ...
... The sanctuary knocker of Durham Cathedral still remains to remind us of the important
part which this institution played in the life of our forefathers. ...
Submitted by fratguy23 on April 26, 2007
Category: History Other
Words: 839 | Pages: 4
Views: 189
Popularity Rank: 55,605
Average Member Grade: N/A (Add a Comment / Grade this Paper)
Durham Cathedral
You must Login to view the entire paper.
Durham Cathedral is one of the oldest examples of Romanesque architecture present in England today. Although the cathedral was completed in the early 12th century there are signs of Gothic architecture present due to the close relation of Romanesque and Gothic styles. In Robert Scott’s book The Gothic Enterprise he discusses how the early Gothic style pulled heavily from the Romanesque style of architecture and built upon it’s basic themes. Durham Cathedral’s extensive history shows how the church’s style of architecture remains mainly Romanesque, but has impressions of other styles due to renovations in different eras.
Durham Cathedral has been described as one of the great architectural
experiences of Europe. Construction was begun in 1093 and largely completed within 40
years. It is the only cathedral in England to retain almost all of its Norman craftsmanship,
and one of few to preserve the unity and integrity of its original design. The Cathedral
was built as a place of worship, specifically to house the shrine of the North\'s best-loved
saint, Cuthbert, in whose honour pilgrims came to Durham from all over England. It was
also the home of a Benedictine monastic community. The Cathedral also served a
political and military function by reinforcing the authority of the prince-bishops over
England\'s northern border.
The Cathedral is built on a peninsula of land created by a loop in the River Wear
and the west end towers over a precipitous gorge. The northern front of the Cathedral
faces onto Palace green and here the full 496 foot length from west to east can be seen.
The nave, quire and transepts are all Norman, at the west end is the twelth century late
Norman style Galilee Chapel and at the east end the 13th century Chapel of the Nine
Altars is in the Gothic style. The western towers date from the 12th and 13th
If you are not a member yet, Sign Up for free!