Durham Cathedral

923 Words2 Pages

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The apse has been replaced by the chapel of the nine altars.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

More about Durham Cathedral

Open Document