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What
makes Durham Remarkable? | Durham Cathedral and Anglo-Norman
Romanesque
Professor Roger Stalley
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There are
many reasons why Durham has become a focus for those involved
in the study of European architecture, some of which are outlined
below:
The site: enclosed within a loop of the river Wear, the cathedral
was constructed in a highly defensible location. The 'open'
end of the site was defended by a castle, belonging to the bishops
of Durham.
England,
Durham Cathedral, Aerial view
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England,
Durham Cathedral, View from southwest,
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Much of the
Romanesque cathedral (and the castle) remain intact.
The scaling
of the building, with its sheer 'monumentality' and 'gravitas',
provides a stunning contrast to the modest architecture found
in England before the Norman conquest.
England,
Durham Cathedral, Exterior view of the north flank of
the nave
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England,
Durham Cathedral, Nave looking west
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The design
of the cathedral has been recognized as a 'landmark' in terms
of the architectural development. While most attention has been
focussed on the introduction of the ribbed vault, the general
enrichment of the building in visual terms, through the use
of engaged shafts, soffit rolls, chevron ornament, and wall
arcades, is of equal importance
.
England,
Durham Cathedral , Nave vault
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England,
Durham Cathedral, Engaged shafts of the pier supporting
the tower
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England,
Durham Cathedral, Nave pier with chevron ornament
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The building
has been admired for over three centuries, an admiration reflected
in the number of major artists who have been inspired by the
monument, including Girtin,
Turner,
and Cotman.
briefing
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