DURESME.[Fol. 30.]Duresmecum Cellis.}First a provoste of the Collegecc li.Item xii prebendaryes and the moste parte of theym preachers vi of them 1 markes and vi of them xxvi li. xiii s. iiii d. by the yereccclx li.Item a Reader of humanytie in greke by the yerexx li.Item a Reader of dyvynytie in hebrewe by the yerexx li.Item a Reader bothe of devynytie and humanytie by the yerexx li.Item a Reader of physykexx li.Item lx scollers to be tawghte both gramer and logyke in hebrewe greke and lattyn every of them by the yere iii li. vi s. viii d.cc li.Item xx studyentes in dyvynytie to be founde x att Oxenford, and x att Cambryge every of them by the yere x li.cc li.Item a Scolmaster for the same Scollersxx li.Item an ussherx li.Item viii petycanons to synge and serve in the quere every of them x li. by the yerexxiiii li.Item x laye men to synge and serve also in the quyre every of them by yere vi li. xiii s. iiii d.lxvi li. xiii s. iiii d.Item x Chorysters every of them by the yere fyve marksxxxiii li. vi s. viii d.Item a master of the Chyldernex li.Item a Gospellervi li.Item a pystellerv li.Item ii sextensvi li. xiii s. iiii d.Item xii poore men beynge olde servynge men decayed by warres or in the Kyng's servyce every of them vi li. xiii s. iiii d. by yerelxvi li. xiii s. iiii d.[Fol. 30. dors.]Item yearly to be distrybuted in almes to poore house-holderslxvi li. xiii s. iiii d.Item for yearly reparacionslxvi li. xiii s. iiii d.Item to be employed yerely in makynge and mendynge of hyghewayeslxvi li. xiii s. iiii d.Item to a Steward of the Landesvi li. xiii s. iiii d.Item to an Audytorx li.Item to ii porters to kepe the gates and shave the Companyx li.Item to one cheyf Butler for hys wages and dyeteiiii li. xiiis. iiiid.Item to an under Butler for hys wages and dyeteiii li. vis. viiid.Item one Cheyf Cooke for hys wages and dyeteiiii li. xiiis. iiiid.Item oone Under Coke for hys wages and dyeteiii li. vi s. viii d.Item for the provostes expences in receyvyng the Rentes and surveyeng the landes by yerex li.Item to a Catorto bye there dyetes for his wages and dyete and makynge hys bockes of reconyngs by the yerevi li. xiiis. iiiid.[Fol. 31.]DuresmeMlDCxxiiiiviiilixisviiid.Porciones deductæMlDCxxiiiixiiilixiiisiiiid.Reman'lxxxxiiiilixviiisiiid.[Fol. 32.]A proporcion for mayntenance of Hospitalite Lernynge Dyvine Service Almes and other necessarie Expences in the Cathedrall Churche of Duresme to be erectyd foundyd and establysshed by the King's Majesties goodnes.SmaMlDCxxiiiiviiilixi s. viii d.HOSPITALITE.The dean cclxiii li. x s.—Prebend' xxxii li. vi s. viii d.Corpus of the deane and prebendaries.Fyrste for the Deane for the corpus of his promotion which he shall certaynlye receyve and accordinge wherunto he shall paye the tenthes and fyrst frutesxl li.Item to twelve prebendaries iche of them for the corpus of his promotion viiiliwhich he shall receyve certaynly by yere and accordinge whereunto he shall paye the tenthes and fyrste fruytesxxiiiixvi li.DISTRIBUTIONS.Item to the deane for every daie of his residence to be payd by waie of Cotidiane distribucion out of the common possession xii s. v d. to be paid out of the same common possession which amountyth in the yereccxxvi li. xii s. i d.DCxxxli.xiiis.id.Item to eche prebendarye for every daie of his residence to be payd by waie of Cotidiane distribucion out of the common possession xvidob. over and besydes iiii s. ix d. ob. to be payd to every of the prebendaries out of the same common possession which in the hole yere amountith to the twelve said prebendaries to the Summeccciiii li.[Fol. 32 dors.]LEARNINGE.Item a reader in divinite for his yerely stypende to be paid of the common possessionxxvi li. xiii s. iiii d.Item to twelve scolers to be found at the Universite off Oxforde every of them ix li. xi s. viii d. by yerecxv li.ccxxxli.vis.viiid.cciiilixiiiiiii.Item to xviii scolers to be taught Gramer Greke and Latyn every of them iiii li. by yerelxxii li.Item to a scolemaster for the same scolarsx li.Item to an ussher for themvi li. xiii s. iiii d.DYVINE SERVICE.Item to twelve petycanons eche of them x li. by yere for ther dyet and wagyscxx li.ccciliItem to tenne laymen syngars eche of them to have yerely for their dyet and wagys vi li. xiii s. iiii d.lxvi li. xiii s. iiii d.Item to tenne Choristers eche of them lxvi s. viii d.xxiii li. vi. s. viii d.Item for a master to the Children for his dyet and wagysx. li.Item to a Gospeller and Epistoler eche of them vi li. xiiis. iiiid.xii li.Item to twoo sextensxii li.Item to a Catorvi li. xiii s. iiii d.Item to twoo buttellersxii li.Item to two Cookesxii li.Item to thre other commen servaantes as portor and ryngars eche of them v li.xv li.Fol. 33.]ALMES.Item to eyght poore men eche of them yerely vi li. xiii. s. iiii d.liii li. vi s. viii d.Item to be yerely distributed in almes to householderslxvi li. xiii s. iiii d.Item to be yerely spente in mendynge of hyghwaysxx li.EXPENCES NECESSARIE.Item for yerely reparacions by Estymation.cxxxi li. viii s. v d.xxciiiiiiiili.xvs.xd.Item in exspences yerely in surveynge the landes and receyvinge the Rentesxx li.Item in expences for wyne and waxxiii li. vi s. viii d.Item to a Stewarde of landes for his feex li.Item to an Auditorx li.Sum of the common MlCCCxxiiiivi li. xiii s. xd.MlCCCCxxiiiixvilixv d.Sum totall of all thies percelsMlDxxiilixiiisxd.Above which chargys the church indewyd with landes to susteyne the same muste pay yerely tenthes and a certayne summe by composition for the fyrste frutes deducted and abbayted.Cxxxvi li. payd by the deane and prebendaries severall.cxl li. to be allowyd by statute for almes.x li. for the stewarde allowyd by statute.x li. for the Auditors fee allowyd by statute.The hole sume of deductionsCCxxiiiixvi li.And so remaynes chargeable with tenthes and fyrst frutesMlCCxxvi li. xiii s. x d.[Fol. 33. dors.]Whereof to be payd for the tenthes of the commen possessionccxvili.ixs.vid.cxliiii li. vi s. iiii d.Item a yerely Rent to be payd by composition for the fyrste fruteslxxii li. xii s. iid.
Above which chargys the church indewyd with landes to susteyne the same muste pay yerely tenthes and a certayne summe by composition for the fyrste frutes deducted and abbayted.
Cxxxvi li. payd by the deane and prebendaries severall.cxl li. to be allowyd by statute for almes.x li. for the stewarde allowyd by statute.x li. for the Auditors fee allowyd by statute.
And so the Cathedrale Churche for mayntenance of the said yerely charges and paymente touchinge hospitalite lernynge divine service almes necessarie exspences tenthes and fyrst frutes after the Rates before mentionyd must yf the said shall lyke the Kings majestic be indewyd with yerely Revenues of the summe ofMlDCCxxxixlixiii s. iiii d.
MDCCxii li. x s.
The Chapter Library.The Chapter Library.
No notice of Durham and its cathedral would seem complete without some mention being made of its fortress, the growth of which has been contemporary with, and, we might almost say, inseparable from that of the monastery itself.
The Chapel or Crypt, Durham Castle.The Chapel or Crypt, Durham Castle.
There can be little doubt that other than the miraculous considerations assigned to them by tradition influenced the monks and the congregation of S. Cuthbert in their final choice of a resting-place for the bones of their beloved saint. The almost impregnable position of the rocky promontory upon which both Cathedral and Castle stand suggests a careful selection on their part, with a view to the prevention of attack and consequent further disturbance of their sacred relics. What the first fortification was is a matter of doubt; most probably it was merely a wall or rampart of earth, with a large artificial mound at the weakest point. This seems to have been the usual practice at an early date at many other places in England, and in some cases their date is known and corresponds to the time at which Durham was probably first fortified. Whatever the earliest protections were, we know that in 1072 William the Conqueror, on his way from Scotland, passed through Durham. He quickly perceived the natural advantages and strength of the position, and gave orders for the erection of a castle. This was at once set about, during the episcopacy of Bishop Walcher, and continued under Carileph and Flambard. Of this building, which might be styled "The Conqueror's Castle," not much remains. The most important is theChapelor Crypt, which belongs, no doubt, to the earlier part of the period named (1080 to 1096). In plan the chapel has a nave and two aisles. The roof is vaulted, the ribs being plain, semi-circular, and square recessed, and is supported by six circular columns. Thecapitals of these columns are a somewhat interesting feature, owing to their Lombardic character. The abaci are square and moulded, while the caps proper carry at their angles rudely carved volutes such as occur in the White Tower, London. Each capital is also carved differently with curious and rudedevices. Of the three windows which terminated the nave and aisle at the east end, one has been destroyed to make way for a staircase and the other two are built up. The original windows of the chapel were very narrow and widely splayed. In the walls are an aumbrey and the remains of two altars.
Other remains of this date are somewhat scattered. Two windows in the undercroft of Bishop Bek's, or what is now known asBishop Hatfield's Hall, are examples. They have converging jambs, the semi-circular heads being cut from one stone and the inside very widely splayed. The wall from the keep to the chapel, and that from the keep to the gateway are also Norman work, as are also portions of the gateway itself.
The next important changes in the castle were made by Bishop Pudsey, 1153-1195, who not only repaired the existing work but built a hall, known asPudsey's Hall. Although this hall has now almost entirely disappeared, through repairs and alterations, sufficient evidence as to its whereabouts and general plan is forthcoming. It was of two storeys, the lower and upper halls. Entrance to the lower hall was originally gained by a staircase which led from the courtyard to the splendid doorway now enclosed in Tunstall's Gallery. This magnificent entrance having been covered with lath and plaster, and for long completely forgotten, was unearthed by, and at the expense of Bishop Barrington, early in the present century. It is in good preservation and is a splendid specimen of rich Norman architecture. It consists of five orders, all richly carved and moulded. Three orders rest on carved capitals and shafts, and two are carried down the jambs of the doorway. The stairway has entirely disappeared, but there is little room to doubt that it would be of much the same character as that in the close at Canterbury; and to the protection afforded by the staircase roof, we are, no doubt, indebted for the good preservation of the arch mouldings of the doorway itself.
What was originally Pudsey's Upper Hall is now styled theNorman Gallery. The greater portion of this gallery is at the present time divided into chambers of residence for the students of the university. It is reached by the Black Staircase and a doorway in the Early English Gothic style. Theinterior of the south and west walls are enriched by arcades in groups of three, the central bay of each of which is larger than those flanking it, and is pierced by a window. The arches of the arcade rest on shafts and cushion capitals, and are carved with chevron ornament. The whole arrangement hereabouts bears the impress of having been a portion of one great building, which an examination of the roof, lead, and general outline makes even more certain.
On the western side of the courtyard stands the greatBek's Hall, built by the bishop of that name. It is above the Norman undercroft, previously mentioned. Much of its original character is now lost, owing to restorations, curtailments, and alterations. Bek's doorway is still in existence, though much hidden by the porch erected later by Bishop Cosin. It has a pointed arch of two orders, with detached shafts in the jambs. Another original relic, unrestored, is part of the window nearest the fireplace, which is valuable as evidence of the date of the erection of the hall. The tracery is geometrical, and the shafts in the angles of the splays are banded. About the year 1350 Bishop Hatfield enlarged and altered Bek's hall. At the west end he inserted two light windows, which are now blocked, though the tracery may be seen from students' rooms inside, and partly from the outside. The open oak roof, with the exception of some necessary later repairs, is of Bishop Hatfield's time. Hatfield repaired and altered Pudsey's upper hall by the addition of east and west windows, and probably a new roof. He also rebuilt theKeep, which time and war had greatly injured. The existing keep, which was erected in 1840, is similar to Hatfield's, and in many places stands upon the old foundations. It is now used entirely as apartments for students of University College.
Bishop Fox (1494-1501) is responsible for the next important changes. He curtailed the great hall by a partition wall near its south end, which still exists. The wall bears his badge in two places—a pelican feeding her young with blood from her breast. He also adapted part of Pudsey's buildings, near the south-west corner of the castle, to the purposes of a kitchen, erected three fireplaces, and windows, and the oak buttery hatch which opens from the kitchen, and which again has carved upon it "the pelican in her piety."
Bishop Tunstall (1530-1558) builtTunstall's Gallery, which extends from the great hall to the clock tower. It is entered by Cosin's staircase (erected later) and by an eastern stair built by Tunstall himself. A curious feature of this stairway is a port-hole which commands the main entrance to the courtyard. The present beautiful little chapel is also the work of Bishop Tunstall. It contains some notable carved oak stalls, of earlier date than the chapel itself, which were brought from the castle at Bishop Auckland. The carved devices of the miserere seats of these stalls are curious and worthy of attention. The doors in the gateway of the courtyard are the work of Tunstall's time.
Bishop Cosin (1660-1672) found the castle in a dilapidated condition. During the Commonwealth it had been sold to the then Lord Mayor of London, who used it badly, to say nothing of the ruin caused by the Scots. He spent large sums in its restoration. He added the present porch or entrance from the courtyard to the great hall. The great staircase in the north-west corner of the courtyard is his and bears his arms. Within and leading to Tunstall's Gallery is the Black Staircase, also the work of Cosin. He enlarged the chapel, and constructed and fitted several apartments in the castle, besides several minor works. In his will, he says, he spent the greater part of his temporal estate in "rebuilding and repaireing the two episcopall Castles of Durham and Bishop Auckland." This, he states, cost him seventeen thousand pounds, including the furnishing and ornamenting of the chapels, which he did "for the use of my successors in those Chappells for ever." Many of the agreements between Bishop Cosin and his masons, plasterers, carpenters, and painters, from which the exact dates and prices paid for the work may be learned, are preserved.
The latest important work at the castle was the rebuilding of the keep, in 1840, which was described at that time as "a picturesque ruin." It was entirely rebuilt on its original plan. The gateway to the courtyard was repaired and modernised by Bishop Barrington, with the existing inartistic result.
Durham Castle owes its picturesque appearance to two causes—first, its magnificent and commanding position, on a rocky escarpment; and second, no doubt, to the many vicissitudes through which it has passed, the alterations and additionsmade necessary by time and constant war, and later, the entirely different uses to which the building is put.
Staircase in the Castle.Staircase in the Castle.
It is now chiefly used as a hall of residence for university men and as lodging for the Judges of Assize.
The most favourable time for the architectural student to visit the castle is during one of the university vacations, otherwise many interesting features would be denied him. Many portions (except students' chambers) are, however, open to the public every week day.
The University of Durham.—From an early date, frequent mention is made in the history of the see of Durham, of a college at Oxford called the Durham College. Its origin is not exactly known, but by the liberality of several bishops and priors its original endowment increased, until provision was made for eight fellows and eight scholars. This was the case at the time of the suppression of the monasteries by King Henry VIII., when, owing to its connection with the monastery of Durham, the college was also dissolved. Its revenues, were, however, rescued, and in 1541 were handed over by the king to the newly created dean and chapter. Thus the matter stood till 1650, when a petition was presented to the Protector, showing the great disadvantages to the North of England arising from the long distance of Oxford and Cambridge, and praying that the houses of the dean and prebendaries might be converted into a college. Cromwell took a favourable view of the idea, and in a letter to Lenthall, the Speaker, in its support, he says:—
Truly it seems to me a matter of great concernment and importance, as that which (by the blessing of God) may much conduce to the promotion of learning and piety in these poore, rude, and ignorant parts, there being also many concurring advantages to this place, as pleasantness, and aptness of situation, healthfull aire, and plenty of provisions, which seeme to favour and pleade for theire desires therein.7
Truly it seems to me a matter of great concernment and importance, as that which (by the blessing of God) may much conduce to the promotion of learning and piety in these poore, rude, and ignorant parts, there being also many concurring advantages to this place, as pleasantness, and aptness of situation, healthfull aire, and plenty of provisions, which seeme to favour and pleade for theire desires therein.7
Various delays occurred, however, and it was not until 1657 that the Lord Protector issued his patent for the erection of the proposed college, in a document consisting of twenty-three heads.
The college thus commenced made great progress, and would no doubt have continued to do so, but for the constant opposition of the two great universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Then followed the Restoration, and with [it]came a reaction against all measures established during the Protectorate. This feeling, combined with persistent petitions from the universities, soon accomplished the downfall of the College.
Bishop Van Mildert, who was translated to Durham in 1826, during his short episcopate saw many changes, not the least of which was the successful revival of the scheme for a university. Powers were obtained in 1832 for the training of students in divinity and the conferring of degrees in other faculties. The new foundation was endowed out of the revenues of the cathedral, and the bishop gave up the Castle of Durham for the use of the college, besides financial assistance of £1000 for the first year and £2000 for the following years until his death in 1836. The first warden was Dr Charles Thorp, Archdeacon and Canon of Durham, but it was provided by an order, on the recommendation of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners that in future the office of warden should be permanently attached to the deanery, and that a canonry in the cathedral be annexed to each of the professorships of Divinity and Greek.
The government of the university is in the hands of the dean and chapter, and the affairs administered by a warden, senate and convocation. A royal charter was obtained in 1837 making the university a corporate body with perpetual succession and a common seal.
The university, besides its original schools of arts and divinity, has established schools of physical science and medicine, in connection with the Durham College of Science at Newcastle-on-Tyne, and has recently admitted women students to its courses and lectures.
There are many foundation scholarships and exhibitions in arts, classics, mathematics, and theology, besides a long list of private foundations and fellowships.
The university consists of one college and one hall. The former, University College, occupies the Castle, and the latter, Bishop Hatfield's Hall.
It is well supplied with libraries. The university library founded at the opening, to which Bishop Van Mildert contributed a valuable collection.
The library given in 1855 by the late Dr Martin Routh, president of Magdalen College, Oxford.
The library presented by the late Bishop Maltby in 1856, which he endowed with £1000.
A library was also bequeathed to the university in 1859 by the late T.M. Winterbottom, M.D., of Westoe, South Shields. A large collection of books was bequeathed by the late Bishop Lightfoot.
Two other important libraries may here be mentioned, though they do not belong to the University—viz. the Chapter Library and Bishop Cosin's Library.
Besides the Cathedral and Castle, the City of Durham possesses several churches of decided interest to the student of architecture, which deserve a brief notice.
The Parish Church ofS. Mary in the North Bailey.—This small church is generally known as S. Mary le Bow, owing to the fact that in its original steeple was an arch, through which the roadway passed. This steeple fell in 1637, and the ancient structure was allowed to lapse into complete ruin. The present church was built in 1685, and its most noticeable feature is the open carved screen between the nave and chancel erected in 1707. The site of the church is the oldest in the city, and some writers have thought it probably identical with that of the White Church in which the body of S. Cuthbert was placed during the building of the cathedral.
S. Mary-the-Lessis a small but picturesque church situated in the South Bailey, and is of Norman date. Its original architectural character is, however, almost entirely lost, owing to extensive restorations which took place in 1846-7. The round-headed window now in the south wall of the chancel, but formerly in the west wall of the nave, is the only remaining original feature. The church is entered by a porch on the south side, and consists of a nave and chancel only. Some stones in the churchyard, which were removed from their position when the church was restored, are carved with chevron ornament, and would seem to show that the date of the original structure was the earlier part of the twelfth century.
S. Oswald.—This church stands on high ground overlooking the river Wear, at the head of New Elvet; and is the parish church of the ancient borough of Elvet. The first church was erected by Bishop Carileph, though the earliestparts of the existing building are of the time of Bishop Pudsey, who also built the bridge across the river, known as the Elvet Bridge. To this date (about 1190) belongs the eastern part of the nave arcade, the arches of which are semi-circular and rest upon tall round piers. Early in the fourteenth century a new chancel was built, the aisles rebuilt and extended to the west end, and two new arches added to the west end of the nave arcades. In the early part of the fifteenth century a clerestory and open parapet were added, and a new oak roof placed over the nave. This was most probably a hammer-beam roof, and was coloured and gilded and decorated with angels holding shields. The only parts remaining at the present day are the grotesque carved corbels, and the angels. The tower was also constructed at this time. In 1834, owing to subsidence of the ground, it became necessary to rebuild the south aisle and a large part of the chancel, which caused the destruction of much architectural beauty. The open parapet was removed, the clerestory windows replaced by the present inferior ones, and the fine oak roof destroyed. The east end of the chancel was rebuilt in 1864. Special attention should be directed to the fine oak stall-work in the chancel, boldly carved in the style of the early part of the fifteenth century. The tower, which forms a beautiful and conspicuous landmark, is reached by a stone staircase of unusual character. It is placed in the thickness of the wall, and is covered in with twenty-four gravestones of thirteenth and fourteenth century date, on which may yet be seen portions of inscriptions and symbols. Built into the tower was part of a Saxon cross, which has now been removed for preservation to the dean and chapter library. This cross is interesting as evidence of the existence on the same site of a pre-Norman church. The tower was carefully restored in 1863. It contains a peal of six bells, which were re-cast in 1694, and bear the following inscriptions:—
1. GLOVIA(?) IN ALTISSMISS(?) DEO PEX FORSTER A VIC CHRISTO HODSON ME FECIT 1694.3. DEVM TIMETE PEX FORSTER AM VIC I EVANS C WARDEN CHRISTO HODSON ME FECIT.4. REGEM HONORATE PEX FORSTER A M VIC 1694 CHRISTOPR HODSON MADE ME I EVANS I S H R.5. IBIMUS IN DOMVM DOMINI PEX FORSTER A M VIC CHRISTOPER HODSON MADE ME 1694 IO EVANS CHV W.6. OSVALDUS FLOREM MEREOR QVIA GESTO TENOREM PEX FORSTER AM VIC IO EVANS IS WH RW CW 94.
1. GLOVIA(?) IN ALTISSMISS(?) DEO PEX FORSTER A VIC CHRISTO HODSON ME FECIT 1694.
3. DEVM TIMETE PEX FORSTER AM VIC I EVANS C WARDEN CHRISTO HODSON ME FECIT.
4. REGEM HONORATE PEX FORSTER A M VIC 1694 CHRISTOPR HODSON MADE ME I EVANS I S H R.
5. IBIMUS IN DOMVM DOMINI PEX FORSTER A M VIC CHRISTOPER HODSON MADE ME 1694 IO EVANS CHV W.
6. OSVALDUS FLOREM MEREOR QVIA GESTO TENOREM PEX FORSTER AM VIC IO EVANS IS WH RW CW 94.
The Cathedral and Castle, from the North.The Cathedral and Castle, from the North.
The second bell was cast in 1885.
S. Margaret'sParish Church is situated on the steep hill called Crossgate. It is opposite to and across the river from the Castle, and from its churchyard a fine western view of the cathedral is obtained. The church was built during the early part of the episcopate of Bishop Pudsey (1154) and was formerly a chapel under the church of S. Oswald. Here again alterations and restorations have obliterated much that originally existed. The church at present consists of a nave and aisles, a chancel with aisles, a western tower, and north and south porches. The existing portions of the original church are the chancel arch, and the south arcade of four bays, together with part of the clerestory and the north wall of the chancel. The arcade consists of low massive circular piers, with cushion capitals and plain chamfered abaci, which support semi-circular arches of one order also chamfered.
The north arcade is also Norman, and very similar in character to that of S. Oswald. No doubt it is of the same date, and probably built by the same architect. The chancel arch has two orders, recessed square and chamfered, with a plain chamfered hood mould. On both north and south sides of the arch is a squint. With the exception of two which are Norman, the windows are nearly all of modern date. One is in the north wall of the chancel and is widely splayed. It is not seen on the outside owing to the vestry which now covers it. The other, a very interesting specimen, is situated over the western bay of the south arcade, and is a portion of the original clerestory and the earliest known clerestory window in the county. The roof of the nave is of oak, and a good specimen of Perpendicular work. The tower is of fifteenth-century date, and exceedingly plain externally, but vaulted in the interior. It opens on to the church by an arch which has been inserted in the west wall. There is an interesting font of Frosterley marble,which is apparently of the same date as the chancel. The vestry which is raised above the level of the church floor is of the fifteenth century, and has on its gable the original gable cross.
The Parish Church ofS. Gilesoccupies a very elevated position at the north-east end of the city, and commands one of the finest views of the cathedral, castle, and city, which it is possible to obtain. It was built by Bishop Flambard and finished as early as 1112; but the north wall of the nave, containing two small Norman windows, widely splayed inwards, and a walled-up doorway is all that remains of this early church. The chancel is of later Norman of the time of Pudsey. Both within and without a bold chamfered string course runs round the chancel. On the south side is a semi-circular headed window, with a carved dripstone and nook shafts, the capitals of which bear a similar character to those in the Galilee Chapel of the cathedral. In the north wall of the chancel is the priests' door, now walled up, and the corbels and springers of the original chancel arch built by Pudsey. The present arch was erected in 1876. In 1414 considerable alterations were made during the episcopate of Bishop Langley, when the walls of the nave were raised, the upper stage of the tower built, and the west window inserted. The font is a fine stone bowl resting on a shaft, and is undoubtedly of the time of Flambard. The chancel contains some monuments of the Tempest and Heath families, who were the ancestors of the Marchioness of Londonderry, patroness of the church and parish of S. Giles. The tower contains three bells, the first and second of which are pre-Reformation and the third bears the date 1646.
On the north side of Gilesgate near to the North-Eastern goods station, are the ruins of the littleChapel of S. Mary Magdalen, of which only a small portion remains. At the west end of the north and south walls are two doorways, the latter walled up. Portions of the east window are still in position, but it would appear to have been of earlier date than the surrounding walls, and probably had been brought from some other building. In the interior are the remains of a Frosterley marble font, and a gable cross of thirteenth-century date is in the custody of the dean and chapter. The chapel was 43 feet by 16-1/2 feet wide. It is supposed tohave been founded by Sir John Fitz Alexander. In 1370 it was almost entirely rebuilt, and again in 1449, on a site near the original one. The reason for this was the moisture of the ground, which caused the foundations to become insecure. The government was in the hands of the almoner of the cathedral, who distributed doles to the poor. The chapel was used as a place of worship until nearly the end of the seventeenth century, when, owing to its ruinous condition, services were finally discontinued.
PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS OF THE CATHEDRALFeetInchesLength of Nave2010Width of Nave390Width of Nave Aisles210Length of North Transept660Length of South Transept660Width of Transepts370Length of Choir1326Width of Choir396Width of Choir Aisles190Length of Nine Altars Chapel1310Width of Nine Altars Chapel386Height of Vaulting of Nine Altars Chapel770Height of Vaulting of Choir746Height of Vaulting of Nave720Height of Vaulting of Lantern1550Width of Lantern E. to W.406Width of Lantern N. to S.390Height of Tower Arches686Length of Galilee Chapel770Width of Galilee490Height of Western Towers1446Height of Central Tower2180Total length of Church (interior)4696Thickness of Wall at West End80AREA:44,400 sq. ft.
PLAN AND DIMENSIONS.
1Sanderson, in his edition of "Rites of Durham," 1767, says: "He is said to be descended from the Blood Royal of the Kings of Ireland, being son of one Muriardach and Sabina his wife, a King's daughter. He was educated in the Abbey of Mailrose."2"County of Durham," by J.K. Boyle, F.S.A.3Raine. S. Cuthbert4Photographs, coloured by the late J.I. Williamson, are exhibited in the South Kensington Museum.5Geoffrey de Coldingham.6"Rites of Durham."7Hutchinson, vol. i
1Sanderson, in his edition of "Rites of Durham," 1767, says: "He is said to be descended from the Blood Royal of the Kings of Ireland, being son of one Muriardach and Sabina his wife, a King's daughter. He was educated in the Abbey of Mailrose."
2"County of Durham," by J.K. Boyle, F.S.A.
3Raine. S. Cuthbert
4Photographs, coloured by the late J.I. Williamson, are exhibited in the South Kensington Museum.
5Geoffrey de Coldingham.
6"Rites of Durham."
7Hutchinson, vol. i