The Dividing Line
A black line at the west end of the Nave can be seen on the floor just past the Font.
It was put there as a boundary to stop women from coming too close to St Cuthbert’s shrine.
History
Women beware!
- Around 1104 the monk Symeon of Durham claimed St Cuthbert did not approve of women being near St Cuthbert’s shrine as it angered the saint.
- In medieval times it was believed Saint Cuthbert did not approve of women being near his shrine, as it was in a male-only monastery. The monks reacted by excluding women from the grounds but soon realised this cut off a valuable source of income. As a compromise, they agreed to build a Lady Chapel now called the Galilee Chapel. Located outside the chapel doors, the black marble dividing line was added in 1189.
- Several women also knowingly crossed the black line, including two brave nuns from Newcastle who disguised themselves as men, but they soon got caught and were dragged out of the grounds.
Notable people
Countess Judith of Northumbria
Symeon of Durham tells the story of Countess Judith of Northumbria who wanted to enter the Cathedral and pay her respects at St Cuthbert’s tomb. The countess sent one of her female servants ahead of her for a trial run, but the minute she got to the grounds she was thrown backward and later died.
Queen Philippa
During Easter 1333, Queen Philippa came to Durham to meet her husband Edward III, who was on his way to fight the Scottish. Unaware she was doing anything wrong the Queen crossed the black line, ate a meal, and then went to bed in the monastery. A fearless monk warned the King that this was an insult to St Cuthbert. The Queen was then woken and briskly escorted outside of the monastery grounds and made to walk to the castle in the middle of the night to find somewhere else to sleep.
Follow the guided tour
You’re in: The Nave You’re at: The Dividing Line Next stop: Pillars
- Look up into the main room of the church
- You will see big, stone pillars on each side of the aisle