10 November 2025 - 1 March 2026
Take a deep dive into the history of courts, laws, and coroners.
The exhibition explores the position of the Bishop of Durham which was unique in England for holding both spiritual and secular power within their diocese. Alongside this, deep dive into recorded cases, prison cells and courts within the cathedral walls.
On display everyday until 1 March 2026
Check the museum opening times, and book a ticket here.
What's on display...
Did you know Galilee Chapel was once used as a court?
The Consistory Court at Durham was responsible for administering ecclesiastical, or religious, law within the diocese of Durham. The court was located within the Galilee Chapel.
Until the Reformation the court presided from the tomb of Bishop Langley. Echoing a passage from 1 Kings 3:9, there is a Latin inscription above the tomb which reads ‘Judgement is Jehovah’s. Lord God, give they servant an understanding heart that may judge thy people and distinguish between good and evil’.
It later moved to the south side of the chapel and in 1796 moved to the North Transept in the expectation that the Galilee Chapel would be demolished under the advice of James Wyatt.
Third image: Some account of the Cathedral Church of Durham, 1801, John Carter
