Durham England. History of architecture

The city of Durham is located in the north-eastern part of England in a picturesque location surrounded by hills and meadows. It is known that there was a settlement here for another 2000 years. But the history of modern Durham begins in 995, when a group of monks from the island of Lindisfarne in the North Sea decided to leave the island in order to take the relics of St. Cuthbert to the mainland and thereby save them from the devastating attacks of the Vikings.

The 12th century chronicler Simeon of Durham says that after long wanderings the monks received a sign from above - the stretcher with the relics of the saint became heavy, and no one could come and lift them. After three days of strict fasting and prayers addressed to the saint, he appeared to them and indicated that they should go to the Hill of Dan and bury him there. But no one knew the direction.

That same day they met a milkmaid who was looking for her cow. She told them that she had last seen her on the Hill of Dan and was now going there. Realizing that this was also a sign from God, the monks went after her. Arriving at the place, they settled there and built a small cathedral, which, unfortunately, has not survived to this day. But to this day, Durham residents believe that the city arose through divine intervention.

Durham played a major role in the Middle Ages, as it was close to the Anglo-Scottish border and often acted as an important strategic point. Among the many battles, one can single out one of the largest and played a big role in the history of Scotland. This is one of the decisive battles of the Hundred Years' War - the Battle of Nevill's Cross, which took place in 1346. Durham's troops were victorious and captured the Scottish king David II.

The influence of local bishops grew significantly, who gladly bore the title Bishop of Divine Providence and established their own order in Durham: it had its own parliament, army, court, its own laws, taxes. They held their own fairs and opened new markets, managed the surrounding forests and even minted their own coins. Bishop Anthony Bec noted in 1299 that “there are two kings in England: the King of England himself, who wears a crown, and the Bishop of Durham, who wears a miter instead of a crown.” The reform of 1832 abolished the power of the Durham bishops, but retained their representative a seat in the House of Lords.

The city itself has long been known as a coal mining center, but the depletion of natural reserves led to the closure of the mines. There is also a carpet factory and a weaving factory here. The dream of making the city a seaport remained unrealized by widening the course of the Wear River, on which Durham stands in the USA, and connecting it with the Tim River. But the city has always been a large trading center in the north of England.

Durham's main attractions include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Durham Castle and the Durham Cathedral of Christ, Mary and St. Cuthbert, built in the 11th century. Today the castle houses the University of Durham, which is one of the three prestigious higher education institutions in England.

Also in Durham, you should definitely visit or explore the university observatory, beautiful bridges connecting the banks of the River Wear, Durham Cricket Club, the remains of the 12th century city wall, the Gala Theater, many monasteries, churches and museums, including the Railway Museum. The city regularly hosts regattas, as well as an annual festival of brass instruments, which lasts 2 weeks.

Durham Cathedral, located on the east coast of England, is one of the largest Romanesque buildings in Europe. The cathedral is located next to the castle and medieval town on a rocky cliff, surrounded on three sides by a river. The entire complex is an interesting UK attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Currently, Durham Cathedral is a Christian Anglican church with a thousand-year history, the seat of the Bishop of Durham, a center of pilgrimage and spirituality in North-East England.

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Durham Cathedral, whose construction began shortly after the Norman conquest of England in 1093 and was largely completed in 1133, was built as the collegiate church of a Benedictine monastery to house the relics of St Cuthbert, in place of an earlier church that had housed them since the seventh century AD .
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The architectural significance of Durham Cathedral is that it is the oldest surviving Romanesque building with a stone vaulted ceiling of such a large size. Today the cathedral may not seem so outstanding, but from the point of view of the development of architecture and construction technology, it represents a significant step forward and the transition of European architecture to a new style - Gothic. Here, for the first time in England, the roof of the cathedral was made of stone, and not of wood as before.
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Vault of the central tower

Durham Cathedral is also valuable because its Norman architecture remains largely

intact. Most other Norman buildings in Britain have undergone significant alterations, often beyond recognition. Also, it is recognized as an example of Romanesque architecture, and one of the largest cathedrals in the world.
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To this day, the scale of medieval cathedrals amazes visitors. The creation of monumental cathedrals in the Middle Ages was a reflection of sincere faith and a way of expressing creative energy for much of medieval European society.
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Although the construction of the cathedral building took place under the leadership of religious figures or institutions, it required the effort of the entire community. From the mid-twelfth century, the church began to provide absolution for those involved in the construction of a church or cathedral, so rather than going on crusades (a popular means of atonement for sins in the late eleventh century), people devoted their efforts to building churches.
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There has always been a portion of believers in society who disapproved of excessive construction costs and lavish decoration of religious buildings, but they were always a minority, and the dominant desire was to stand out, to build the most magnificent building reflecting the greatness of God
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Because cathedrals took decades, and often even centuries, to build, the people who contributed to their creation did not expect to see them completed during their lifetimes.
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Participation in the construction of the cathedral required a sacrificial willingness to be part of a process that was longer than a human life. Construction was financed by a council of the senior clergy of the cathedral, while the bishops participated only of their own free will. However, in Durham, the bishops' contribution, intellectual and financial, was substantial. The cathedral council collected money from their parishes and organized tours of the religious site to raise funds for the construction of the cathedral.

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People of various specialties, qualifications and skills were employed in construction. At the lower end of the scale were laborers. Their main work was transporting building materials and earthworks, such as digging foundation pits. Contrary to the general belief that much of this work was done by volunteers for free, there is documentation that proves that most laborers were paid.
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The more highly qualified workers who participated in the work had the specialty of masons, plasterers, stonemasons, and stone carvers. Practical considerations determined the technological process of work. For example, since transport was very expensive, the stones were completely prepared for installation in the quarry. Although the making of stone blocks continued throughout the year, the builders did not actually lay the stone in the winter, when frost prevented the mortar from binding the stones.

« Stonemasons at work" in a painting by Pieter Bruegel

Stonemasons often led a peripatetic lifestyle, moving from one construction site to another. They were paid by the day or by the amount of work completed. Those doing piecework carved their marks on each stone they cut, this made it possible to calculate the amount of payment for labor. Over time, such marks became a sign of professional pride and acquired a more beautiful and carefully thought out appearance. They can still be seen on some of the stones in Durham Cathedral.
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In early Romanesque buildings, frescoes were the most common means of interior decoration, and stone carving was used little. However, as the skill of stone carvers increased greatly over time, sculpture became an important component of the design of later buildings. Sculptors became more independent, and began to see themselves as artists rather than skilled craftsmen.

Also, as architecture and building technology developed further, large glass windows became possible, allowing daylight into the interior of the cathedral. Stained glass, which became one of the most important decorative features of religious buildings, replaced frescoes as a means of depicting religious scenes.
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Creation of Durham Cathedral
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Almost everything we know about the creation of the cathedral comes from the writings of Simeon, a monk of Durham monastery, entitled A Little Book of the Origin and Building of the Church of Durham.

According to Symeon's records, Bishop William of St. Calais ordered the construction of a new cathedral "more noble and greater" to replace the Anglo-Saxon one built a century earlier by Bishop Aldhun. The Norman cathedral in the city of Caen served as an example to follow. They began digging a pit for the foundation after reading prayers on July 29, 1093, and the construction of walls began just two weeks later - on August 11 of the same year.

Durham Cathedral was built as a church for the monastic monastery of the Benedictine order. Simeon also mentions that, while the monastic buildings were paid for by the monks, the cathedral itself was financed by the bishop, who personally took part in the development of the building's design.
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William St. Calais's goal was to create a cathedral that would eclipse its English contemporaries and be one of the great cathedrals of Christendom.
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One of the most important models for a new cathedral in Norman times was the old St. Peter's in Rome, built by the Emperor Constantine, in the 4th century AD. e. Accordingly, the original length of Durham Cathedral from the chapel containing the relics of St. Cuthbert in the apse at the east end of the building to the main entrance at the west end is only 70 cm longer than the old Roman cathedral; its nave is almost the same width, the spiral columns exactly repeating those that were to be found on the canopy around the Shrine of St. Peter.

Left: One of the "Solomon" columns used in the old St. Peter's Basilica, a source of inspiration for religious buildings throughout Christendom.
Right: One of the columns in St Cuthbert's Chapel in Durham Cathedral.
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In the design of the new cathedral, William of St. Calais followed the tradition that had developed in earlier cathedrals in Norman England, also built to house religious relics. A comparison of Durham and Winchester cathedrals shows many similarities; it is very likely that both buildings were the work of the same chief mason (author and construction manager). Based on an analysis of his architectural style, which follows more of the English than the French tradition, it is assumed that he was an Englishman by birth.

Semicircular arches in Romanesque style
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Some researchers suggest that the intersecting arches along the aisles of Durham Cathedral are inspired by the architecture of Islamic Spain.
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William St. Calais died in 1096, just three years after work on the Norman cathedral began. The next bishop was Ranalph Flambard. Flambard served as bishop until his death in 1128. By then the construction of the cathedral was nearing completion and was completed in 1133, just five years later.
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The significance of the cathedral in the development of architecture

Durham Cathedral is a landmark in the development of architecture with many innovations that revolutionized the appearance of church buildings throughout Europe.

1. The oldest surviving cruciform arches of this scale in the world.

The cathedral's nave vault is the most significant architectural element of Durham's World Heritage Site and represents a turning point in the history of architecture. The pointed arch was first used as a structural element in this building.
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Semicircular arches were the type that were used earlier, but had one significant limitation: their height had to be proportional to their width. When pointed arches replaced semicircular ones, it became possible to achieve greater height and width.
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Before Durham Cathedral, buildings were covered with wooden roofs that were not organically connected to the stone walls, and they burned too well.
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2. For the first time in architecture, ribs were used to form pointed arches and support the vault of the cathedral. This early stage in the birth of a new style - Gothic, is called the lanceolate vault. It is characterized by simple vaults divided by ribs into four lancet-shaped parts. .

Pointed arches provide an opportunity to overcome the limitations created by the simple geometry of semicircular arches, allowing arches of different widths to have the same height.
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Stone ribs provide additional support to the vault at critical points, thereby reducing the thickness of the walls and, therefore, their weight. The ribs also help distribute the weight of the vault between the walls.
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The ribs also have aesthetic value, becoming the object of the viewer's attention, giving the vault lightness and grace.

Semicircular vault

Cross vault
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These two sketches show the difference between semicircular and rib vaults. The shaded areas of the vault are key structural elements, while the unshaded areas do not carry loads. The combination of pointed arches and ribs allows greater height to be achieved than using semicircular arches of approximately the same size.
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The height was very important because one of the goals of the cathedral's builders was to build a monumental building that would reflect the greatness and power of God. Stone ribs became extremely important structural elements. They allowed the cathedrals to fly high into the sky. The introduction of pointed arches gave rise to a new architectural style, Gothic, which flourished between the 12th and 16th centuries.
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3. The ribs became one of the main supporting structural elements of the vault. The walls were freed from the need to support the full weight of the roof, as a result, it became possible to create large windows. Since that time, cathedrals have transformed from dark, heavy buildings with small windows into light, spacious buildings where the area of ​​the windows exceeds the area of ​​the walls.
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4. The sheer weight of the building and the lateral stress of the arches and vaults were the biggest challenge to the builders. If the walls were not massive enough, or hard enough, they could collapse. This problem was solved by creating flying buttresses. Predecessors of flying buttresses also exist in Durham Cathedral, although they are not very noticeable.

Towers
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The cathedral towers were particularly important in Durham, where the cathedral sits on a low plot of land surrounded on three sides by a river. The high opposite bank almost hides the cathedral building, which means that pilgrims do not have a landmark for moving towards the relic. Typically, cathedrals were built on high hills so that they could be seen from a great distance. For this purpose, three towers with spiers were erected above the cathedral, a central one and two western ones. The spiers were removed in 1658.
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Western Towers
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The central tower of the Cathedral has the most eventful history. It was built at the end of the 13th century, but was soon struck by lightning. The tower was restored thirty years later in 1429.
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After another thirty years, lightning again struck the tower and destroyed it. The new tower was built between 1465 and 1474. Ten years later a second tier was added. In this form, the tower has survived to this day.
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Chapel of the Nine Altars
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Despite the size of the cathedral, the place where the relics of St. Cuthbert were located was constantly crowded with pilgrims. Therefore, at the end of the 13th century, it was decided to expand the space of the cathedral and build a chapel with nine altars next to the shrine. The idea for the building was taken from a similar extension carried out in 1247 for Fountain's Abbey in North Yorkshire. Due to the complex topography of the riverbank, it was difficult to extend the building, but it was possible to complement the main building with a wide extension.

Chapel of the Nine Altars
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In the two hundred years that have passed since the construction of the cathedral, the Gothic style has become the main style for church construction. The new chapel was built taking into account all the achievements of construction technology of that time. The Gothic Chapel of the Nine Altars is noticeably different in style from the old cathedral building. It is dominated by tall, graceful pointed arches, thin columns support a high vault, and huge stained glass windows fill the space with colorful reflections.
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Source www.studing.od.ua - architectural attractions of the cathedral in the city of Durham

Local legend says that the English city of Durham was founded in 995 by divine intervention.



Settlements existed on the site of Durham already 4,000 years ago. The history of the modern city began in 995, when monks settled on the peninsula. The 22nd century chronicler Simeon says that the monks kept the relics of St. Kubert. To protect his remains from Viking raids, the monks carried them from place to place and finally brought them in 995 to Durham, the city where the bishop's see was then transferred. Saint Kubert was asked for help in healing and is known for numerous miracles. The arrival of the monks to the lands of Durham is associated with the appearance of the legend of the Durham Cow. It is believed that when the monks were looking for a place to bury the remains of the saint and found a monastery, they came across a farm where a woman complained to them that her cow had gotten lost somewhere in the forests surrounding the river. The monks took this as divine guidance and followed the woman. They settled on the "wooded hills of the island", where they erected Durham Cathedral, which was a "modest building". Simeon claims that this was the first building in the city (not preserved).

In 1022 the church acquired the relics of Bede the Venerable, who died in 735 and was buried in Jarrow. The discovery of the relics of these two saints became the impetus for the construction of a cathedral for pilgrims in Durham.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1093 and was completed in 1133.

Honoring the memory of St. Cuthbert is celebrated on March 20 - “St. Cuthbert gave up his holy soul to the Lord on March 20, 687.” Eleven years later, the tomb of St. Cuthbert's was discovered, and his St. the relics turned out to be incorruptible. In subsequent centuries, his relics were transferred several times due to the threat of invasion. On August 24, 1104, the incorruptible relics were placed in the newly rebuilt cathedral.

In 1573, three of King Henry VIII's attorneys came to open the tomb and desecrate the relics. Body of St. Cuthbert remained incorrupt and was later buried again. The tomb was opened again in 1827. Inside they again found incorrupt bones, wrapped in linen, and five clothes...

Durham Cathedral became the pinnacle of medieval architecture and at the same time witnessed the beginning of the transition from the Romanesque style to the Gothic style.

Since the cathedral was built in a short time, in just 40 years, its architecture is homogeneous.
Unlike other European cathedrals, Durham Cathedral still looks much the same today as it did when it was completed in 1133. During its construction, a number of important technical innovations were used that had a huge impact on Gothic architecture throughout Europe.

The cathedral was built in the Romanesque style that prevailed throughout Western Europe between 1050 and 1200.

As its name suggests, the Romanesque style was influenced by Roman architecture and incorporated such features as rounded arches, large columns, small windows and simple carved decorations.
"The cathedral was planned by Bishop Kerilef. Built of sandstone, it consists of a large nave with lateral wings radiating in the form of eight rays and a ribbed vault. The structure of the ribbed vault allowed large areas of it to be curved, and this pattern contributed to the development of the Gothic style, in which similar the ribs help to emphasize the upward thrust of the interior space of the temple. The height of the vault is about three floors, but its proportions were unusual for that time, since the main arcade is almost equal in height to the gallery and the upper row of windows illuminating the choir. This feature attracts the attention of visitors to the arcades and helps create the illusion of large space."

In addition to the innovative design of the ribbed vault, there were other innovations in the cathedral's design. Covered with a black marble slab, the tomb of the Venerable Bede is located in the Galilean Chapel, built at the western end of the cathedral between 1170 and 1175. At the eastern end of the cathedral is the Chapel of the Nine Altars, a large, flat projecting apse built in the 13th century, which makes way for pilgrims to pass through to the relics of St Cuthbert. The transept at the east end is not found in any other English church except Fontaine Abbey in Yorkshire.
The light dome in the center was restored in the 15th century after it was destroyed by a storm. Its position is unusual and complements the two western towers. The large window in the north wall with a double tracery lattice is considered the best example of temple Gothic.

It is prohibited to take photographs in the cathedral itself, so I am using a photo of the poster that greets visitors at the entrance to the cathedral. Church employees and ordinary believers, dressed in bright national clothes, are also greeted.

On the day of our visit, a wedding ceremony took place; these were the guests of the newlyweds.

In 1986, Durham Cathedral and Castle were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status as exceptionally well-preserved examples of Norman architecture.

Another outstanding example of the Norman style in the architecture of northern England, built at the same time as the cathedral, is Durham Castle, designed to protect the northern borders of the lands conquered by the Normans. This majestic castle is the only castle in Britain that has never been destroyed in its 900-year history. Durham Castle is also included in this UNESCO list. However, the castle is usually closed to the public - apparently in order to preserve it even better. The security mercifully only allowed me to take a photo in front of him.

Perhaps the reason for the castle being so inaccessible is the summer holidays. After the founding of Durham University, Bishop Edward Maltby donated the entire castle with two chapels to the university in 1837. At the same time, the donjon (the main tower in European feudal castles) was adapted to accommodate students. So students know the lock like the back of their hand. And Durham University itself is considered one of the most prestigious and third oldest universities in England, since before it only Oxford and Cambridge universities existed in England.
Durham Castle was founded by William the Conqueror, but pretty soon the defense of Northern England from the Scots was entrusted to the local bishop, the largest feudal lord in these parts. Everyone called him "Bishop of Divine Providence", in contrast to all other bishops, who are "Bishop by Divine Right".
The Latin version of the city's name is in honor of this bishop, whose official signature was “N. Dunelm." Translated from other English “dun” means hill, and from Old Norse “holme” means “island”. However, there are a number of other versions of how the name of the city appeared, which was changed by the Normans to Dunelm. When the current name appeared, history is silent about it.

In addition to the castle, some sections of the 12th century defensive wall have survived from the fortifications of medieval Durham.
Both the Cathedral and the Castle became the inspiration for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series.
Most of the location shooting of almost all films took place here.

The historic city center is located on the rocky banks of the Wear River.

Durham is said to have been built on symbolic seven hills. Indeed, Durham offers wonderful views of the picturesque slopes of the River Weir.

The park, laid out on both sides of the river and in some places resembling a forest, is a favorite vacation spot for townspeople:

The banks are connected by several bridges, both pedestrian and automobile.

Durham's streets, both wide and narrow, and its many pubs and shops also attract mainly country residents.

Of course, the city accepts tourist groups. But, unlike other cities in England, immigrants from Eastern countries do not settle here, which means that numerous relatives do not come to visit them. So in Durham you can only meet "pale-faced" people.

Market Square

Cathedral of St. Nicholas.

Here we found ourselves at a festival where local residents enthusiastically performed folk dances

Neptune, the ruler of the seas, oceans and sea elements, rejoiced along with the audience.

Durham Cathedral is considered an architectural masterpiece. Perched on top of a steep, wooded peninsula overhanging the city, the cathedral has helped local residents defend Durham from enemies for a century.
Situated next to the cathedral, Durham Castle has evolved from an ancient fortress over the course of a century and is now part of the University of Durham. In the 12th century, the peninsula was fortified with protective walls, some of which have survived to this day. Durham was not only a fortified point, but also a place of pilgrimage.
Durham Cathedral owes its existence to St Cuthbert, who died in 687 and was first buried on the island of Lindisfarne on the Northumberland coast. To protect his remains from Viking raids, the monks carried them from place to place and finally brought them in 995 to Durham, the city where the bishop's see was then transferred.
In 998, the monks built a stone “white church” for the relics of the saint, now defunct. In 1022 the church acquired the relics of Bede the Venerable, who died in 735 and was buried in Jarrow. The discovery of the relics of these two saints became the impetus for the construction of a cathedral for pilgrims in Durham.
Following the Norman conquest of England in 1066, Durham's clergy were reformed. The city now became an important center of the Christian church in Northern England. Construction of the cathedral began in 1093 and was completed in 1133. This cathedral became the pinnacle of medieval architecture and at the same time witnessed the beginning of the transition from the Romanesque style to the Gothic style.
Since the cathedral was built in a short time, in just 40 years, its architecture is homogeneous. But the nearby castle was rebuilt over the course of 900 years. The castle was built by order of William the Conqueror (reigned 1066-1087).
The modern appearance of the castle has retained the features of its original, Norman appearance. It is built in a typical Norman architectural manner, with a steep earthwork topped by defenses to the east, and a large courtyard around the rampart, protected by an outer wall, to the west. Waltkoff, Earl of Northumberland, began construction of the castle in 1072 by order of William the Conqueror himself. After this, William transferred control of the castle into the hands of Bishop Walcher Lawrence. Under subsequent bishops of Durham, the castle continued to be rebuilt over the course of 750 years.
The castle served a dual function. It protected Durham from constant attacks by the Scots from the north and at the same time served as an administrative center and the official residence of the bishops. After the 17th century, the castle lost its significance as a fortress and began to serve only as an episcopal residence. In the 19th century, the castle became part of the university.
The architecture of the castle reflects numerous changes and additions carried out over the course of a century. In the north wing there are fragments of the Romanesque period. The oldest part of the castle accessible to visitors is the Norman Chapel, built in the Saxon style in 1078.
Unlike other European cathedrals, Durham Cathedral still looks much the same today as it did when it was completed in 1133. During its construction, a number of important technical innovations were used that had a huge impact on Gothic architecture throughout Europe.
The cathedral was built in the Romanesque style that prevailed throughout Western Europe between 1050 and 1200. As its name suggests, the Romanesque style was influenced by Roman architecture and incorporated such features as rounded arches, large columns, small windows and simple carved decorations.
The cathedral was planned by Bishop Kerelef. Built of sandstone, it consists of a large nave with side wings radiating in the form of eight rays and a ribbed vault. The structure of the ribbed vault allowed large areas of it to be curved, and this pattern contributed to the development of the Gothic style, in which such ribs help emphasize the upward thrust of the temple interior. The height of the vault is about three floors, but its proportions were unusual for that time, since the main arcade is almost equal in height to the gallery and the upper row of windows illuminating the choir. This feature draws visitors' attention to the arcades and helps create the illusion of a larger space.
In addition to the innovative design of the ribbed vault, there were other innovations in the cathedral's design. Covered with a black marble slab, the tomb of the Venerable Bede is located in the Galilean Chapel, built at the western end of the cathedral between 1170 and 1175. At the eastern end of the cathedral is the Chapel of the Nine Altars, a large, flat projecting apse built in the 13th century, which makes way for pilgrims to pass through to the relics of St Cuthbert. The transept at the east end is not found in any other English church except Fontaine Abbey in Yorkshire.
The light dome in the center was restored in the 15th century after it was destroyed by a storm. Its position is unusual and complements the two western towers. The large window in the north wall with a double tracery lattice is considered the best example of temple Gothic.

Attractions

1. Durham Castle. Built in the 11th century, the castle has been rebuilt several times throughout its 900-year history.
2. Palace Green - until the 12th century this was the center of Durham, where the old market was located.
3. Cathedral. Built between 1093 and 1133, the cathedral is considered one of the finest examples of Norman architecture. The original plan of the cathedral has remained virtually unchanged, and one of its main attractions is the spacious nave with a vaulted ceiling.
4. North and South courtyards. Built for defensive purposes, the courtyards were designed as a street, sheltered in the eastern part of the castle by fortress walls.
5. Prebends Bridge. Built in 1777, this bridge overlooks the River Wear and the tops of the cathedral's west towers.
6. Castle donjon- a large octagonal tower installed on a terraced hill, on the eastern side of the courtyard. It was used as an episcopal palace, and in 1840 it was radically reconstructed. Currently part of Durham University.
7. Galilean Chapel, also known as the Chapel of the Holy Virgin, was at one time the only part of the cathedral where women were allowed to enter. It was built in 1189. By the 15th century, the chapel was in ruins and was restored in its original Romanesque style. In a one-story hall with five side chapels there is the tomb of the Venerable Bede.
8. St. Cuthbert's Tomb. The saint's sanctuary is located in the Chapel of the Nine Altars. The tomb, cross and several embroidered stoles can be seen in the cathedral Museum of Treasures.
9. Chapel of Nine Altars installed on the terrace below the cathedral floor level. The chapel has two magnificent stained glass windows, a vaulted plinth, tall lancet arches and a top row of skylights.
10. Monastery. Founded in 1083, the monastery served as a workshop for Benedictine monks for over 450 years until it was closed and dissolved in 1540.

Curious facts

1. From the early days of Christianity, Saint Cuthbert was one of the most respected proselytizing Christian missionaries and was canonized as a saint. As a child, he was a shepherd, but after a vision that appeared to him, he entered a Celtic monastery, where he became famous for his piety and learning. Initially resistant to the Roman tradition of monasticism, Saint Cuthbert accepted Roman Catholic teachings when he was appointed abbot of the monastery at Lindisfarne.
Saint Cuthbert was forced to accept the post of Bishop of Lindisfarne offered to him in 685 and fulfilled his duties with dignity. Two years later he left this post and died soon after. The saint's body, in accordance with his last will, was buried in Lindisfarne and remained there until the relics were transferred to Durham Cathedral.
2. Durham Cathedral was built at the end of the 11th - beginning of the 12th century. It contains the relics of St. Cuthbert and the famous learned monk Bede the Venerable. The cathedral is a fine example of Norman architecture in England. The innovative design of its vaults anticipates later Gothic architecture. The castle - an ancient Norman fortress - was the residence of the bishops of Durham.

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City of Durham

Durham is the central city of the county of the same name in North-East England. The name of the county is the only English county not to have the ending shire. Durham is said to have been built on symbolic seven hills. Indeed, Durham offers wonderful views of the picturesque slopes along the River Wear. After administrative reforms in the early 2000s, the city's population is currently about 45 thousand people.

The name Durham comes from Old English dun, which means hill. And Old Norse holme- island.

Settlements existed on the site of Durham already 4,000 years ago. The history of the modern city began in 995, when monks settled on the peninsula and kept the relics of St. Cubert. Saint Kubert was asked for help in healing and is known for numerous miracles. The arrival of the monks to the lands of Durham is associated with the appearance of the legend of the Durham Cow. It is believed that when the monks were looking for a place to bury the remains of the saint and found a monastery, they came across a farm where a woman complained to them that her cow had gotten lost somewhere in the forests surrounding the river. The monks perceived this as divine guidance. Durham became an important spiritual center during the Middle Ages, becoming the final resting place of St Cuthbert and St Bede.

Durham's proximity to the Scottish border made it an important outpost of English defense in the north of the country. Durham Castle is the only Norman castle that has never been destroyed.

The Lord Bishop of Durham, due to the region's remoteness from London, became the unofficial head of the Catholic Church in the north of the country and enjoyed considerable autonomy.

Henry VIII curtailed some of the lord bishop's powers, and in 1538 ordered the destruction of the relics of St. Cuthbert. Which, fortunately, did not happen.

During the Civil War, Durham remained loyal to King Charles I and was punished for this by Oliver Cromwell. Durham Castle was confiscated and a prison was established in the cathedral. On the walls of the cathedral, inscriptions made by Scottish prisoners have been preserved to this day.

During the Industrial Revolution, Durham became an important center for the coal mining industry. Almost every local village had its own coal mine. The mines were closed in 1970-1980.

Since the 19th century, the city has had a university and a famous indoor market.

Durham Cathedral of Christ the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Cuthbert was founded in 1093 and remains the center of Christian worship in the city and county to this day. The cathedral, listed alongside Durham Castle, is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in England. The cathedral contains the relics of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and St Bede.

Another outstanding example of the Norman style in the architecture of northern England, built at the same time as the cathedral, is Durham Castle, designed to protect the northern borders of the lands conquered by the Normans. This majestic castle is the only castle in Britain that has never been destroyed in its 900-year history.

Y-na83 | 10.10.2019 04:55:59
Cadam, thank you so much!
Somehow I filled out the Documents online on presettleld status, but I can’t sign up for biometrics, I don’t have free time...

Hoomp | 09.10.2019 20:48:07
Thanks for the answer. I don’t remember where, obviously, on the website of one of the schools, there was a mention that studying with a large age difference is something...

Cadam | 09.10.2019 19:47:59
I have not heard of children of different ages being allowed to study in the same year stream. that is, she will not be allowed to study with 15-year-olds in the 11th grade if she...