Durham Cathedral - historical context themes | History

Starter quiz

Complete the sentence: The cathedral's scale and grandeur were unprecedented in England; it was built on similar proportions to St Peter’s ______ in Rome.

'Basilica' ✓
Complete the sentence: Durham Cathedral is a prime example of Norman ______ architecture, characterised by its huge proportions, thick walls and rounded arches.

'Romanesque' ✓
Match each architectural feature of Durham Cathedral with what it symbolises.

rounded arches

⇔

signifies grandeur and stability in Norman Romanesque style ✓

ribbed vaults

⇔

shows innovative engineering ✓

high ground location

⇔

symbolises Normans' power and strategic advantage ✓

incorporation of Anglo-Saxon motifs

⇔

reflects continuity with earlier church designs and traditions ✓
Match the evidence about Durham Cathedral to whether it shows change and continuity.

change

⇔

ribbed vaulting, dual role of prince-bishop, Church leaders replaced ✓

continuity

⇔

use of local saints, traditional church design, Anglo-Saxon motifs ✓
The Normans' innovative architectural techniques paved the way for a later architectural style, which style was this?

Brutalism

Neoclassical

Gothic ✓

Bauhaus
How did the location of Durham Cathedral contribute to its strategic importance?

It was situated in a lowland area.

It was close to major trade routes.

It was built on high ground. ✓

It was near the Scottish border.

Match the terms to the correct definition.

investiture

⇔

the ability to choose and appoint bishops and abbots ✓

patronage

⇔

support that an overlord provided to their vassal in return for homage ✓

inheritance

⇔

receiving property or other items from a relative after their death ✓
Which word describes an architectural style inspired by the buildings of ancient Rome?

'Romanesque' ✓
Which three topics does 'Norman conquest and control' cover?

causes of the conquest ✓

feudalism and government

military aspects ✓

monasticism

maintaining control ✓
Which topics does 'Life under the Normans' cover?

economic and social changes and their consequences ✓

the Church

feudalism and government ✓

military aspects

monasticism
Which two of the following are not military aspects of Norman England?

Anglo-Saxon and Norman tactics

the Harrying of the North ✓

the inheritance of William II ✓

cavalry and castles
Which of the following relate to the Church of Norman England?

Latin usage and the vernacular

Archbishop Lanfranc and reform of the English Church ✓

the Investiture Controversy ✓

the building of abbeys and monasteries

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There are three key topics making up the historical context of Norman England.
'Norman conquest and control' covers causes of the conquest, military aspects and establishing and maintaining control.
'Life under the Normans' covers feudalism and government and economic and social changes and their consequences.
'The Norman Church and monasticism' covers the Church and monasticism.

The Anglo-Saxon Church was old-fashioned and corrupt.

The Normans were keen to present the Anglo-Saxon Church that way, but Edward the Confessor had kept up with reforms from the rest of Europe.

Inheritance - receiving property or other items from a parent or other after their death
Patronage - the support that an overlord provided to their vassal in return for homage
Romanesque - an architectural style inspired by the buildings of ancient Rome
Investiture - the ability to choose and appoint bishops and abbots
Vernacular - the language spoken by ordinary people in a region or country