Van Mildert Statue
On the north side of the Chapel of Nine Altars is the marble statue of William Van Mildert.
Notable people
William Van Mildert (1765-1836) was Bishop of Durham from 1826-1836 and the last to have power as a Palatinate Prince-Bishop. In addition to helping to set up Durham University, he was an important supporter of Durham's miners.
Welsh Sculptor John Gibson R.A. (1790 - 1866) created the statue in 1842. Gibson spent much of his life studying and working in Rome which influenced his style. Other examples of his work include statues of Sir Robert Peel in Westminster Abbey, William Huskisson in Pimlico Gardens, and Queen Victoria.
History
Durham Palatinate
In 1075, William the Conqueror created the Palatinate of Durham and its Prince Bishops to help control the north and protect England from invading Scots. In the following centuries, several of the Prince Bishops played important military roles.
By the 18th century, the wealth of the Church in Durham was immense with many clerics receiving far greater salaries than their counterparts at other cathedrals. This changed after campaigns for reform in the early 19th century and opposition against ‘corruption’ by Durham MP John Lambton.
Power sharing
When William Van Mildert became Prince Bishop of Durham, he could see both sides of the argument. He agreed that there were many very wealthy clerics, but he still maintained the tradition of extremely lavish hospitality.
The cathedral had to reform despite Bishop Van Mildert's vigorous opposition. Increasing democratic reforms led to the removal of the Palatinate's political powers.
On Bishop Van Mildert’s death in 1836, the last Palatinate powers were returned to the British Crown. No longer could the Bishop of Durham mint his own coins, levy taxes, or raise an army.
Did you know?
The founding of Durham University
Bishop Van Mildert was a driving force in the founding of Durham University. In 1832 he donated Durham Castle as the home of its first College and continued to contribute to its expansion with further donations of buildings as well as his own money.
Mining relationships
Bishop Van Mildert became an important defender of the mining communities. Local miners formed a trade union in 1830 and held strikes for better working conditions and pay. Van Mildert refused to help the mine owners by appointing hand-picked magistrates.
Durham Cathedral’s special relationship with its local mining community started with Bishop Van Mildert and continues today with the Annual Miners’ Day Service, which is part of the Durham Miners Gala, usually in early July.
Follow the guided tour
You’re in: The Chapel of the Nine Altars You’re at: Van Mildert Statue Next stop: Joseph Window
- Look up at the large stained glass window behind the Van Mildert Statue
- This is the Joseph Window