Built in 1093 it served to reinforce the position of the Prince Bishops politically, militarily and as a centre of religious pilgrimage. The Bishopric dates from 995. Built on the site of a Church –the White Church- and the site of a shrine to St Cuthbert. The first Bishop was William of Calais who ruled from 1080. The Palatinate ruled from 1080 until 1836 when the Palatinate was abolished.

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Many believe that if the Scots had won the battle of Neville’s cross [1346] we would be in Scotland now. Whilst England was involved in the 100 years war with France, King David of Scotland invaded the North with 1200 men.

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In 1650 after the Battle of Dunbar it was used to incarcerate some 3000 Scottish prisoners. The Scottish prisoners used what they could, e.g. pews, to burn as fire wood. In just a few weeks some 1800 died from the cold and starvation and the remainder were transported and sold to serve as slaves or bonded labour in the colonies, sent to fight in Ireland and some even made to work clearing the Norfolk Fens. They were called the ‘Dunbar Martyrs’ and following a recent campaign there was a memorial dedicated to them in Durham Cathedral placed beside the altar to Queen Margaret of Scotland.

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Further links with church and state ‘Dieu et mon Droit’ – god at my right – the monarch’s coat of arms above every court bench today. The oath taken on the bible in court also reinforces this connection although you can actually take an attestation instead.

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There is a quote on Prebend Bridge that describes the Cathedral as half a church of god and half a castle against the Scots. The Cathedral is a symbol of Norman power and a tribute to god. The Dean and chapter take a value position that it should be free access which makes it one of the most accessible Cathedrals in the country.

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The above photo, “River Wear with Durham Cathedral on the Riverbank” is copyright (c) 2010 Bs0u10e0 and made available under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.0 license