The Hatfield Tomb
On the south side of the Quire is the tomb of Prince Bishop Thomas Hatfield, completed in the year of his death in 1381. Hatfield was one of the longest-serving prince bishops, holding office from 1345 until 1381.
Notable people
Bishop Thomas Hatfield
- A member of the Yorkshire gentry, his skills and intelligence led him to become a trusted Royal Servant under King Edward III. He was involved in financial matters at the age of 28 as Receiver of the Chamber (1338-1344), responsible for receiving income from lands confiscated by the Crown, and briefly promoted to Keeper of the Privy Seal (1344-1345). He soon became Bishop of Durham in 1345 and from then on he oversaw many important and lengthy projects for improving the cathedral.
- Over the brightly decorated tomb is the bishop’s throne or ‘cathedra’ commissioned by Hatfield himself. The monument was restored in the early 20th century which is why it is so colourful today.
Did you know?
Over my dead body!
- Hatfield wanted his tomb to be built as close to the high altar as possible. Known for his arrogance but also for his sense of humour, not long before he died he apparently said “The next bishop of Durham will be enthroned over my dead body!”
- When Hatfield died his body was brought up from London by a funeral chariot all the way to Durham and the next bishop did in fact sit up above him on the cathedra.
Prince Bishop
- The role of the Prince Bishop was to maintain a buffer between England and the Scottish border and manage English-Scottish relations. They held authority over the County Palatine of Durham and their power here was comparable to the authority of the King in the rest of England.
Hatfield College
- In 1380, Hatfield gave £30,000 to Durham College, Oxford. This, in turn, led his coat of arms to be included in the heraldry later associated with Durham University. Durham University is made up of 17 colleges, one of which is named after the bishop.
Things to look for
Coats of Arms
- Along with Hatfield’s coat of arms, there are many others carved into the tomb.
- Hatfield is known as the last of the ‘Warrior Bishops’. He was a valued royal servant to the King and was majorly involved in the administration necessary for the wars that took place against France in the late 1330s. At the battle of Crécy in 1346 he took all the Palatine Knights with him, so their coats of arms can be spotted on the tomb.
- The same battle saw Hatfield and his knights saving King Edward III's son from danger. To commemorate this valiant act there is an effigy of the Hatfield coat of arms and the Royal coat of arms, a rare honour. There is also a carving of Edward III’s head placed above the tomb near the stairs.
Follow the guided tour
You’re in: The Quire You’re at: The Hatfield Tomb Next stop: Choir Stalls and Misericords
- Turn to your right, looking down towards the Nave
- On either side of the Quire are the carved wooden Choir stalls