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Durham cathedral and surroundings

Durham Cathedral has been described as ‘one of the great architectural experiences of Europe’. It is renowned as a masterpiece of Romanesque (or Norman) architecture.

It was begun in 1093 and largely completed within 40 years.

It is the only cathedral in England to retain almost all of its Norman craftsmanship, and one of few to preserve the unity and integrity of its original design.

The Cathedral was built as a place of worship, specifically to house the shrine of the North's best-loved saint, Cuthbert, in whose honour pilgrims came to Durham from all over England.

It was also the home of a Benedictine monastic community.

The Cathedral also served a political and military function by reinforcing the authority of the prince-bishops over England's northern border.

The Cloister, on the south side of the Cathedral, was begun at the same time as the Cathedral but contains much work from the fifteenth century or later. Many of the Claustral buildings are open to the public and full details can be found under Visiting the Cathedral. The College, the name given in Durham to the Cathedral Close, is a quiet area on the south side of the Cathedral. It is the home of the Cathedral clergy and others associated with its life, and of the Chorister School, a co-educational school where the Cathedral choir boys are educated. Many of the buildings surrounding the Green originated in the Middle Ages, and entry is gained via the medieval gate house which is still locked every night. Buildings in the College are not open to the public.

unfortunately photography in the main building is not allowed and most of these are in the cloister area

There are daily Church of England services at the Cathedral, with the Durham Cathedral Choir singing daily except Mondays and when the choir is on holiday. The cathedral is a major tourist attraction within the region, the central tower of 217 feet (66 m) giving views of Durham and the surrounding area.

my favorite shot of the day

just 1 of many pieces scattered around the walls

When William the Conqueror finally took control of Durham he appointed a Norman called William Walcher as Durham's first Prince Bishop by combining the powers of the Bishop with those of the Earl of Northumbria.The term `Prince Bishop' did not actually come into use until many centuries later but it is a good description of the political and ecclesiastical powers of Walcher and succeeding Bishops of Durham.

a walk round the side caught this view

this shot looks much better in high res

one of the outer buildings in main yard

walked down to main shopping area and noticed a couple of interesting statue's

grey skies didnt help but still had a good day

esquires! looks like latte and t-cake time

last shot before heading back to park and ride

unfortunately the castle was closed today and the wind was causing lots of problems on outdoor shots but still haad a good day and can recommend durham as a great place to photograph.. we didnt even touch the place and im sure will return soon for another shoot.

4 people like this.

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Date Wed, 22/02/2012 - 22:26
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Great architecture, still looking good after all these years, That William left his mark over here, you have taken some very impressive photo's, thanks for sharing.

 

Delia

Raindrops keep on falling on my head     

 

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Date Wed, 22/02/2012 - 23:05
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Some great angles Smile shame the weather wasn't too kind Sad Great blog !!!

 

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Date Thu, 23/02/2012 - 06:51
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a great blog,well done in difficult conditions,i love the "feeling" old churches give (although i'm not religous) could have something to do with the history of the buildings,

 

cris...

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Date Thu, 23/02/2012 - 06:58
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same here crissyb i am not religious however i like nothing better than photographing these  buildings and graveyards lol

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Date Thu, 23/02/2012 - 13:06
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Great blog with good photos of the cathedral. 

 I visited here a few years ago and was able to go on a tour of the university that is attached to the Cathedral led by a student.

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Date Thu, 23/02/2012 - 16:12
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Durham is a great place to visit. I live close by so have visited frequently. Great shots, pity about weather.

Ray

My blogs http://fr.myfinepix.com/blog/632307

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Date Thu, 23/02/2012 - 18:41
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A very interestig blog with good pictures and informative narrative. Thanks for battling the weather and for posting.

 

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Date Fri, 24/02/2012 - 05:44
Comment

great informative blog and great photos too, theres something about religous places that draws me in to take photos of the churches chapels etc it must be the architecture because im not a religous person, but a massive like from me another place to visit thanks for taking the time to share it Smile

thats much better than the one i took

http://fr.myfinepix.com/gallery/704678

please take a look at my latest blog Smile

http://fr.myfinepix.com/blog/704678/463142

&n

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Date Sat, 25/02/2012 - 15:08
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My type of blog this great like it 

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Date Wed, 07/03/2012 - 13:33
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very good travel blog, you know how to invite people for a visit...... like your framing, nice

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