Durham Cathedral: England
St. Cuthbert’s Shrine,Venerable Bede’s Tomb,Lindisfarne Gospels
Jul 23, 2008
The story begins on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne on the north-east coast of Northumbria. The community of monks who lived on the island had prospered for 240 years . When the Vikings invaded England in the seventh century they put an end to all that and in 875.AD the monks began the search for a safer place, carrying with them the Lindisfarne Gospels, and the miraculously preserved body of their bishop, St. Cuthbert.
The Story of Durham Cathedral
In 995 the wandering monks found their safe haven in an easly defended position above the River Wear in Durham and here they began to build their church. Within three or four years St. Cuthbert’s body was enshrined in the “White Church’ which was finally completed in 1017. Nothing remains of this Saxon church today. Construction of the current cathedral was begun in 1093 and St. Cuthbert’s body now lies behind the high altar, buried beneath a simple stone slab that bears his name in Latin: CVTHBERTVS.
Durham Cathedral - Lindisfarne Gospels
When the monks were eventually forced to leave their monestary on Holy Island (Lindisfarne) they not only took with them their most cherished relic, the body of St.Cuthbert, but also what is today one of Britain’s most valuable religious treasures, the Lindisfarne Gospels. This book is a beautifully illustrated manuscript of the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The Gospels were taken from Durham Cathedral during the dissolution of the monasteries, ordered by King Henry V111 in the 16th century. After a somewhat circuitious route, they ended up in the British Library in London, where they remain today. However, there have been grumblings in recent times for them to be returned to the north-east where they originated.
Durham Cathedral - The Venerable Bede
St Bede, also known as the Venerable Bede, is, like St. Cuthbert, buried in Durham Cathedral. He is widely regarded as the greatest of all the Anglo-Saxon scholars whose works form, in many cases, the only reliable records of large parts of English history. He is notable also as the first person to date events from the birth of Christ, using the now-familiar notation anno domini (in the years of our Lord - abbreviated to AD). It also is thanks to his writings that we know so much about St. Cuthbert. Bede rests in a simple tomb in the Galilee Chapel, one of the most beautiful parts of the Cathedral.
Durham Cathedral - More to see
The Cathedral has been described as ‘one of the great architectural experiences of Europe’. It probably is also one of the most dramatic. Perched high on a hill, next to Durham Castle, overlooking the river and the ancient town, it is a photographer’s dream. However, even though it is so grand and impressive, there are many small delights amongst the big and famous treasures.
The 15th century Rose Window in the Chapel of the Nine Alters is stunning, but so is the vibrant Millennium window with its contemporary motifs and brilliant colours. You might see a painting by Paula Rego or or run your hand over perfectly preserved Anglo-Saxon stone crosses. There's also a plaque commemorating John Washington. an ancestor of the first president of the United States.
There’s something for everyone here and there’s also a nice cafe where you can treat yourself to a traditional English cream tea.
Explore the North-East of England
