Durham cathedral is located in Durham County, England. (See Appendix A) The Cathedral exceeds all other sacred edifices in England in the beauty of its situation; and although not so large as others, its magnificence is surpassed by none. Durham cathedral occupies the summit of a lofty peninsula enclosed by the river Wear, which at that point makes so sweeping a curve that the promontory is almost an island. The elevated tableland thus formed is bordered by steep rocks and beautifully wooded slopes, extending to the margin of the river. (See Appendix F) This singular position adds greatly to the striking effect and grandeur of its general appearance. (History, Topography and Directory of Durham, Whellan, London, 1894)

During the cathedral's construction, Durham was one of the most important northern outposts of the Normans, who had begun construction on the cathedral sh

In reading about Durham cathedral, I liked its majestic appearance and characteristics. I find this cathedral interesting, because, although it may not be the largest cathedral on Earth, it may in fact be the most unique. It was the first to use ribbed vaulting, and the flying buttress, both of which are designs very well known and noticed today. I do dislike the lighting in the cathedral, because it is dark and gloomy, more like a fortress or castle, however this was the Romanesque style of architecture which was widely used during that time period. As a tourist, I would definitely take the time to visit the architectural wonder and religious landmark that is Durham Cathedral.

In the years after the initial construction, two major additions were made to the cathedral. The first was the Galilee chapel built by Bishop Hugh Le Puiset. The Galilee chapel is at the western end of the cathedral and is situated right at the top of the gorge formed by the River Wear where it is overshadowed by the cathedral's twin towers. (See Appendix F) The second addition was the black marble-topped tomb of The Venerable Bede (673-735 AD,) who was the first historian of England. Bede lived most of his life at Jarrow near the River Tyne. His bones were brought to Durham from the ruins of Jarrow monastery in 1020 AD. On Bede's tomb is inscribed the following words in Latin: "Haec sunt in fossa Baedae Venerabilis Ossa'," which means "in this tomb are Bede's bones." Legend has it that the writer of this poetic epitaph was inspired to use the word "venerable" by an angel who told him how to complete the rhyme. The inscription dates from 1830. The Galilee chapel is also known as the Lady Chapel as it was once the only part of the cathedral that could be entered by women according to the rules of the Benedictine order of monks. (Durham Cathedral Homepage)

In medieval times Durham Cathedral, reconstituted as the Cathedral Church of Christ and Blessed Mary the Virgin by Henry VIII, was one of the greatest centers of pilgrimage in England, mainly because of the rich and glorious Shrine of St. Cuthbert. A simple gray stone tomb inscribed 'Cuthbertus' is

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