Cathedra
On the south side of the Quire, beyond the stalls and above Thomas Hatfield’s Tomb, is the Cathedra. This is the official seat or throne of the bishop, a symbol of authority and teaching.
Hatfield designed the throne at the same time as his tomb. It is reached via a staircase which, together with the tomb, is all in a matching design of blue and gold.
Did you know?
Tall tales
- Did Hatfield have a competitive streak and want the highest bishop’s throne in Christendom?
- As the story goes, he sent two monks to measure the Pope’s throne in Rome, along with many bishops’ thrones throughout England. When the results were in, Hatfield made sure that his throne was two inches higher than the tallest of them. The Pope was so furious with Hatfield that he had a thick cushion put on his throne so he would sit taller again!
- Walter Skirlaw was bishop of Durham from 1388 to 1406 and he made sure to build his own monument even larger and taller than Hatfield’s. His large donation of £220 helped to build the lofty Monks' Dormitory above the West Cloister.
Follow the guided tour
You’re in: The Quire You’re at: Cathedra Next stop: The Hatfield Tomb
- Directly below the Cathedra you will see a tomb with a carved wooden figure on it
- This is Bishop Hatfield's Tomb