Starter quiz
- Complete the sentence: Henry I imprisoned Ranulf Flambard in the Tower of London on charges of...
- 'embezzlement' ✓
- Which word means an area for which one bishop is directly responsible?
- 'bishopric' ✓
- Why did William II face conflict with the Church during his reign?
- He favoured secular courts over Church courts for trials involving bishops. ✓
- He built many new churches to strengthen his relationship with the papacy.
- He appointed bishops based on their relationship with him, not the Church.
- He ordered the destruction of several important churches to show his power.
- He appeared to be more interested in profiting from the Church than in religion. ✓
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- Match each individual with their correct description.
- William Rufus⇔He was crowned king of England after the death of his father. ✓
- Bishop Odo of Bayeux⇔He was banished for his role in a rebellion in 1088. ✓
- Bishop Ranulf Flambard⇔He oversaw the final stages of Durham Cathedral construction. ✓
- Pope Urban II⇔He disapproved of the secular trial of bishops. ✓
- Bishop Calais⇔He began construction of Durham Cathedral in 1093. ✓
- What did Ranulf Flambard’s do after his escape from the Tower of London?
- He became a royal advisor and heir to King Henry I.
- He led an invasion of England with Robert Curthose’s army. ✓
- He was appointed as the Archbishop of Canterbury by Henry I.
- He helped establish new laws and founded churches in Normandy.
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- Where was Ranulf Flambard buried upon his death in 1128?
- Durham Cathedral’s graveyard
- Durham Cathedral’s shrine
- Durham Cathedral’s nave
- Durham Cathedral’s chapter house ✓
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Exit quiz
- Which word means a large oblong church that was round at one end?
- 'basilica' ✓
- Which word means the style of building that was fashionable in Western Europe and was favoured by the Normans?
- 'Romanesque' ✓
- What were some of the key architectural features of Durham Cathedral that reflect Norman Romanesque style?
- Extensive use of stained glass windows
- Rounded arches and ribbed vaults ✓
- Large proportions and thick walls ✓
- Intricate floral patterns on every surface
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- How did Durham Cathedral serve as a political and religious statement during the Norman period?
- It was constructed to replace all Anglo-Saxon churches across England.
- It was built in a location chosen to represent the unity of England and Wales.
- It functioned as a fortress and had an adjacent castle. ✓
- It focused on honouring Norman saints without reference to local traditions.
- It housed the relics of Saint Cuthbert which honoured local traditions. ✓
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- What was one of the key aspects of Norman religious values as reflected in Durham Cathedral?
- Emphasis on local folk traditions rather than papal reforms
- Focus on secular governance and local political power
- Encouragement of clerical marriages and relaxed monastic practices
- Adoption of Gregorian Reforms, including stricter monastic discipline ✓
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- Put the following events related to Durham Cathedral in chronological order.
- 1⇔The implementation of Gregorian Reforms across Europe
- 2⇔William of Saint Calais introduced a new cathedral chapter.
- 3⇔The establishment of a Benedictine monastery at Durham
- 4⇔Durham Cathedral became a major centre of pilgrimage.
- 5⇔The construction of Durham Cathedral stimulated the local economy.
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Durham Cathedral was built in a Romanesque style symbolising the dominance and permanence of Norman rule.
- Durham Cathedral incorporated some Anglo-Saxon traditions of church design and was used as a shrine to St Cuthbert.
- The personnel of Durham Cathedral demonstrated Norman political authority in England.
- Durham Cathedral had a fortified setting because it was located in the border region.
- Durham Cathedral reflected Norman religious values including a stricter adherence to Benedictine monasticism.
Common misconception
All Anglo-Saxon prelates (Church leaders) were replaced by Normans.
Although most bishops and priors were replaced, especially those involved in rebellion, those accused of simony or pluralism and those already married, others were not. The first prior appointed by William St Calais was an Anglo-Saxon called Alwin.
Keywords
Romanesque - the style of building that was fashionable in Western Europe which recalled the power of the Roman Empire
Basilica - a large oblong church that was round at one end; the interior had two rows of columns supporting the roof
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