The Normans replaced unsuitable Anglo-Saxon prelates with reformers from Normandy or elsewhere.
The canon of the cathedral chapter was replaced with monks who adopted a stricter Benedictine monasticism.
Durham Cathedral was transformed into a centre of monastic life.
Durham Cathedral functioned as a pilgrimage site for St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede.
The architectural design accommodated the flow of pilgrims.

Keywords

Canon - a Christian priest with special duties in a cathedral
Pulpitum - a stone screen which divides the nave and the quire in a cathedral
Cloister - a covered walkway enclosing a large open courtyard, found in a religious building
Feretory - the chapel in which a shrine is located

Common misconception

The Anglo-Saxon clergy were not religious.

While the Norman reformers viewed many Anglo-Saxon clergy as unsuitable due to their secular lifestyles, this does not mean all were irreligious.

Play recordings of Gregorian chants or other examples of liturgical recitatives. Discuss how the acoustics of Durham Cathedral were designed to amplify the monks' prayers and chants, and the impact on pilgrims.

Teacher tip

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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.

Which word describes the long central part of a church, often with aisles on both sides?

Correct Answer: nave

Q2.

Which word describes arches that support a ceiling or room?

Correct Answer: vaulting

Q3.

When did William St Calais order the construction of a new cathedral on the site of the Anglo-Saxon building which housed St Cuthbert’s relics?

1066

1069

1087

Correct answer: 1093

Q4.

Which of the following are examples of Durham Cathedral's Romanesque design?

thick wooden walls

Correct answer: thick stone walls

Correct answer: square central towers

rounded central towers

Correct answer: huge stone columns

Q5.

How was Durham Cathedral built?

Correct answer: using the forced labour of English peasants

by a team of English masons and carpenters

Correct answer: by a team of Norman masons and carpenters

using the forced labour of Norman peasants

Q6.

Which pattern was frequently used by the Normans?

gingham

batik

paisley

Correct answer: chevron

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.

Which word describes a Christian priest with special duties in a cathedral?

Correct Answer: canon

Q2.

Which word describes a stone screen which divides the nave and the quire in a cathedral?

Correct Answer: pulpitum

Q3.

How did the Norman reforms affect the daily life of monks at Durham Cathedral?

Monks were integrated with the local aristocracy and could own personal property

Correct answer: Monks were required to live in complete separation from lay people

Monks were given greater freedom to interact with pilgrims and visitors

Correct answer: Monks were required to follow a strict schedule of prayer

Q4.

What was one of the main goals of the Norman reformers in relation to Anglo-Saxon cathedrals and monasteries?

To integrate local aristocratic families into the Church leadership

To increase the number of Anglo-Saxon clergy in monasteries

To allow bishops to have secular roles and engage in political activities

Correct answer: To replace unsuitable Anglo-Saxon prelates with European reformers

Q5.

Whose relics were housed in the feretory of Durham Cathedral during the Norman period?

Correct answer: Saint Cuthbert

Saint Michael

Correct answer: the Venerable Bede

Edward the Confessor

Q6.

Arrange the steps in the order that a pilgrim would experience when visiting the feretory of Durham Cathedral, starting with the earliest.

1 - The doors to the cathedral were opened whilst bells rung

2 - The pilgrims were guided through the cathedral by attendants

3 - The pilgrim entered through the now unlocked entrance gate

4 - The pilgrim's donation would be accepted by cathedral staff

5 - The pilgrim would be assisted with their prayers

6 - The pilgrim would be guided out through the exit gate

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