Choir Stalls and Misericords
Bishop John Cosin commissioned the Choir stalls lining the north and south walls of the Quire in the mid-17th century.
History
After a century of conflict and war, the cathedral showed signs of damage. Most of the woodwork had been burned by Scottish prisoners of war, trying to keep warm while imprisoned here in 1640.
In 1665, Cosin commissioned architect James Clement of Durham to design new choir stalls in a style that was unique to County Durham. The design included Gothic canopies, likely to be inspired by the Neville screen nearby. The columns that hold up the canopies are slender and decorated at the top with scroll shapes.
Things to look for
Latin inscriptions
Some of the stalls in the Quire are reserved for senior members of the Cathedral Foundation and Latin inscriptions show where their seats are.
There are also Latin inscriptions along the base of the front rows, based on Psalm 150 and which link praising Godwith music “Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness…praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs”.
Mercy, a seat!
The seats in the back rows have carved misericords or ‘mercy seats’ beneath. These provide a seating ledge, used for a quick rest from standing during lengthy services.
Underneath the misericords are detailed carvings often depicting religious scenes and stories or mythical creatures.
The only medieval misericord at Durham dates from the 13th century and shows the eagle of St John the Evangelist. What can you find amongst the carvings?
Follow the guided tour
You’re in: The Quire You’re at: Choir Stalls and Misericords Next stop: Organ
- Look above the Choir Stalls on both sides and you will see the organ