Millennium Window
To the south of the Bishop’s throne, in the South Quire Aisle, is the Millennium Window. It is a celebration of 1000 years since St Cuthbert’s shrine arrived at Durham Cathedral and the founding of the Diocese of Durham in 995 AD.
History
Dedicated in 1997, the window is in memory of Robert Tobias Binks (1880-1950) and his wife Jane Watson (1885-1934) of Thornley, England. The designer, Joseph Nuttgens of High Wycombe, also worked at Windsor Castle. The firm of Hartley Wood in Sunderland made the glass and glazier Bernard Seaton installed it.The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is shown at the top, followed by the journey of St Cuthbert by boat and cart to Durham. Important local industries and landmarks are also referenced including glass blowing, coal mines, power generation, steam engines, ship-building, the Tyne Bridge, chemical manufacture, farming, and the Nissan car factory in Sunderland.
Did you know?
Steam celebration
Near the bottom of the window appears the image of a steam locomotive. This is Robert Stephenson and Company’s 1825 ‘Locomotion No. 1’, designed in Newcastle and operated by Stockton and Darlington Railway. It was the first steam train to haul a passenger carriage on a public railway. Today, this engine is cared for by the Locomotion Museum, Shildon, County Durham.
Interesting facts
The University
Bishop William Van Mildert, Dean John Jenkinson, and the Chapter of Durham Cathedral founded the University of Durham in 1832. To signify this, at the bottom left of the Millennium Window is a university computer. It is shown printing out Simeon of Durham’s 12th century account of moving St Cuthbert’s shrine from Chester-le-Street to Durham in 995 AD.
Things to look for
Miners’ strike
The bottom centre panes celebrate Bishop Brooke Foss Westcott’s contribution to the resolution of the 1892 miners’ strike. Westcott helped the Durham Miners' Association and the Durham Coalowners' Association come together to agree on workers’ wages.
The miner shaking the bishop’s hand highlights the cathedral’s role in supporting the local community.
Follow the guided tour
You’re in: South Transept You’re at: Millennium Window Next stop: The Quire
- Turn to your left and you will see a set of wooden doors at the top of some steps
- Head up the steps and into the Quire