Discovering The Durham Cathedral

If there were to exist one method by which a human being could be humbled it would be to position them in the center of a huge medieval cathedral such as Durham Cathedral. To visualize what Scott had in mind consider for a moment a structure with an amazing length of 469 feet and a height of 73 feet with its towers extended upward to 218 feet. This Romanesque style cathedral was constructed between the years 1093 and 1133. As Sir Walter Scott so aptly remarked, "Half church of God, half castle "in reference to its immense size and purpose. Located in the city of Durham, England this exquisite building is the seat for the Anglican Bishop of Durham. It is truly a magnificent creation.

The cathedral houses a fully functional unit of pipe organs from the mid 1700s. If you would like to hear this musical instrument research and listen to the Congregation at the Durham cathedral. This organ has made its mark upon history and is included in the National Pipe Organ Register.

Even to this day there is Church of England services performed daily at the cathedral. Along with its nearby complimentary Durham Castle which was the home for the Bishop of Durham, the pair is an indication of exactly how much power the position of bishop actually wedged during those medieval times. Oliver Cromwell had imprisoned 3,000 Scottish POW's there in 1650. Throughout its life span this masterpiece of Romanesque architecture has served as everything imaginable including a prison. Of that amount at least 1,700 lost their lives as a result of the inhuman conditions they endured at the Cathedral resulting in many graves both known and unknown gracing the grounds of this place of worship.

The building with its ribbed vault roof's curved lines and its pointed transverse arches provide a prominent display although they are not necessarily unique for you can discover similar styles of cathedrals amongst various European nations. It would be difficult not to notice the many fabulous features of this massive sized building. Its slender piers alternated among massive drum style columns display a feeling of strength and endurance. The texture itself appears hard and rough which adds to the impression of superiority over man. With its tall ceilings you experience a feeling of distance and vast emptiness. Similar features have been displayed by the Gothic architecture found in the north of France.

The architectural aspect of this creation clearly conveys a feeling that some force other than mankind dwells within its cold, hard walls. The framework seems to adequately portray its purpose quite well. I would imagine that when one walks within its structure their emotions reach a high level of piety.

Both the elements of its composition and its general characteristics impress me with a sense of balance between the known and the unknown. This art form has not only achieved its aim but has surpassed any expectations laid before it.