Bedesmen’s Bench
In the North Quire Aisle, see the Bedesmen's stone Bench carved into the wall.
The bench formed part of the Chantry Chapel and was used by Bedesmen who would take their rest while collecting prayers to be said later.
History
Bedesmen were people in the medieval church who prayed for the souls of those named on the bede-roll. Names were added to the bede-roll after a donation or gift was given to the cathedral. Prayers were said using a string of 'bedes', (later known as 'beads'), which were made of various materials including bone and wood.
Bedesmen were first officially introduced to the Cathedral in the Statutes of 1555, which provided for ‘eight poor men’ to be appointed by the Crown to aid in lighting the Cathedral and ringing the bells.
As there were no pews until the 19th century, this was one of few places people could sit in the cathedral.
Did you know?
The coat of arms on the bench belongs to Bishop Walter Skirlaw, Bishop of Durham (1388 - 1405), who commissioned the Chantry Chapel (and the Cloisters!), where the bench once belonged.
Thoughts and reflections
Today, the cathedral has a team of both men and women who serve as Bedesmen. They continue the tradition of assisting visitors, vergers and clergy with the spiritual mission of the Cathedral.
Follow the guided tour
You’re in: The Chapel of the Nine Altars You’re at: Bedesmen’s Bench Next stop: Matthew Woodifield Memorial
- Turn to your left
- Continue down the North Quire Aisle
- Just before you reach the crossing, you will see a tall marble memorial on your right
- This is the Woodifield Memorial