Stained Glass Windows
At the east end of the Chapter House, directly in front of you as you walk in, are seven stained glass windows.
History
The Stained Glass Windows replaced the plain glass windows placed there in the nineteenth century. Designed by Hugh Easton (1906-65), the first of the windows was added in 1935. Each window was added over time and for different reasons but the same artistic style was kept for each one. A spiritual scene occupies the top of each window while the figure on the lower half of six of the windows shows a Bishop from the Cathedral’s history.
Things to look for
Designed in Light
From left to right the window designs are:
- Adam & Eve with the Tree of Life and Bishop Walcher (1071-80), the first Prince Bishop. Walcher was the first to promote the idea of introducing monks to Durham.
- Arthur Harrison of the local organ builders Harrison & Harrison is honoured in this window with Bishop Hugh of le Puiset (1153-95) holding the Galilee Chapel.
- Dedicated to Bishop Handley Moule (1901-20) this window shows Bishop Geoffrey Rufus (1133-40) with the Chapter House.
- The Crucifixion and St. Benedict window is a memorial to the Choristers and Chorister School staff who died in the First World War. Their names are carved underneath.
- Showing the Ascension and Bishop Flambard (1099-1128) this window was made in memory of Francis Priestman, a founder of the Friends of Durham Cathedral.
- Bishop William of St. Barbara (1143-52) is shown in ‘The Word Made Flesh’, a title taken from a line in John 1:14.
- The final window had Bishop William of St. Calais (1080-96) holding the Cathedral. This is a memorial to those who died in the Second World War. It was paid for by the Freemasons of Durham.