Durham Cathedral :: Papers

Durham Cathedral Source A refers to the changes made in Durhamcathedral since the 12th century. There are certain aspects that have remained the same. The north doors remain unchanged although they have replaced the real sanctuary knocker with a replica. Although the main structure and architecture of the cathedral have not changed, particular things have, for example in the source it shows pointed towers. As this is an interpretation of an idea of what it may have looked like at the time, it isn't based on any real fact so we don't know if the towers were indeed pointed, they may have been cones. But the towers now are not as they were in the 12th century; they are gothic, flat and have battlements. The towers were replaced after lighting struck the north tower and a fire broke out. They replaced all of the towers so that the north tower wouldn't look out of place. The Romanesque window in the east of the north transept has been replaced with a large elaborate gothic stained glass window. They found that the pointed arch supported more weight therefore they could make it larger and more intricate. The apse has been replaced by the chapel of the nine altars. The apse originally contained three apses, but was replaced in the thirteenth centaury they had become dangerous and were replaced The Galilee chapel has been added on to the west of the cathedral. It is a ladies chapel as women were not allowed to mix with men in the chapel of the nine alters. In conclusion the sketch of the 12th century cathedral is a good perception of what it may have looked like then, based on the sketchy facts provided, although there may be a few things wrong with it, but on the basis it is very accurate. Source B relates to the theory that Durham cathedral was built by cowboy builders. Although it is true that the pillars in the nave are hollow and filled with builder's rubble, the doorway to the Galilee