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A Treasure and a Legacy: Conservation at Durham Cathedral

Various dates and times

Monday 9 March to Sunday 28 June

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Durham Cathedral being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, delve deeper into the architecture and how people have cared for the building over the centuries, enabling it to remain a beacon of faith while preserving and passing on our rich Christian heritage.

See drawings of the cathedral captured over the years, from architectural drawings of where the Father Smith Organ once stood, prints of the cathedral to woodcuts of stonemasons and drawings of workmen in the Triforium. Centuries-old documents are on display, listing repair costs and the names of workmen involved.

Find out more about tales about the Central Tower, finding out more about two lightning strikes and the rebuilding, through letters, drawings and a photograph from the 1920s. Book tickets here.

A lonely stone

When William Morpeth demolished the east apsidal end of the Chapter House, an original 12th century stone remained which can be seen in this museum exhibition. One side features a chevron pattern and the end is a carved star. Many fragments like this remain from the building work from the 1890s, when the site was cleared and 18th century walls were removed.

Book Museum entry here

See drawings of the original Chapter House

In 1796, the Cathedral architect and Clerk of Works, William Morpeth, demolished the east end, lowered the ceiling and plastered over the walls. These changes occured as a survey found the space was in good repair, but was cold and didn't suit the needs of the Chapter. However, this caused a public outcry with the space being described as 'miserable'.

See the drawing of the Chapter House, pre-renovations, sketched by John Carter in 1795.

Book Museum entry here

A slice of the cathedral

See a huge cross section print of the cathedral, drawn by architect John Carter, from The Society of Antiquaries’ Cathedrals Series which was the first attempt to create detailed and measured illustrations of religious buildings around England.

This print was published in 1801, despite Carter visiting Durham in 1795, and was the largest of Carter's drawings to be engraved. He described the Central Tower as rising above the building 'in proud significance' and he's not wrong!

Book Museum entry here

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Cathedral Secret Spaces Tour

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This unique tour makes an ideal experience for those wanting to delve deeper into history and see parts of Durham Cathedral that are rarely open to the public. Step into the cathedral’s prison cell (if you dare!) and get up close with rare books in the 350 year old Refectory Library.