Neville Tombs
Only a few important burials took place in the Nave.
In the south nave aisle sit the medieval tombs of the Neville family. Their presence is a tribute to the successful military careers of Ralph 2nd Baron Neville (1291 - 1367) his eldest son John, 3rd Baron Neville (1330 - 1388), and their support for cathedral projects.
History
- Ralph Neville fought for Edward III, most famously at the Battle of Neville’s Cross in 1346 where he defeated the invading Scottish army.
- Ralph lies alongside his wife Alice (1300 - 1374). John Neville and his first wife Maud Percy are buried in a limestone chest tomb nearby. John fought for his father, serving as a captain at the Battle of Neville’s Cross. He was also one of the cathedral’s major benefactors, donating the impressive Neville Screen behind the High Altar.
- Over time the tombs were vandalised. Most of the damage was probably done by Scottish prisoners of war, held by the English inside the cathedral after the Battle of Dunbar in 1650.
Did you know?
Victory prayer
- On 17 October 1346, invading Scottish troops clashed with English forces on the moors of west Durham, in what became known as the Battle of Neville's Cross.
- Saint Cuthbert appeared in a vision to the Prior of Durham, commanding him to carry the precious Banner of Saint Cuthbert to the edges of the battlefield and pray fervently for English success.
- When the English won a victory over the Scots, the Prior granted Ralph a burial site inside the cathedral.
Interesting facts
Tomb tales
John Neville commissioned his own tomb in the 1370s. It is decorated with the Neville and Percy families' coats of arms and 19 small figures known as ‘weepers’. These figures represent mourners, usually family members, and all but one face outwards. It is not known why one weeper has his back towards the onlookers, but he presses his hands to the tomb in a gesture of great grief.
Follow the guided tour
You’re in: The Nave You’re at: Neville Tombs Next stop: Britton Memorial
- Look across to the opposite side of the Nave
- Between two of the pillars you will see a sculpture of a man lying down
- Make your way towards it