Year 10 - History
The design of Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about the historical environment, choosing the relevant site study to complement their understanding of Norman England.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how and why Durham Cathedral was constructed as it was.
Key Notes
- Durham Cathedral was built in a meander of the River Wear, on high ground, which provided natural protection.
- Durham Cathedral housed St Cuthbert's shrine.
- Durham Cathedral was built in the powerful Romanesque style.
- Durham Cathedral contains architectural innovations such as rib vaulting.
- Durham Cathedral was designed to separate the monks from the lay people.
Vocabulary To Learn
- shrine: a place for worship that is holy because of a connection with a holy person or object
- nave: the long central part of a church, often with aisles on both sides
- vaulting: arches that support a ceiling or room
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Cathedrals are like museums and ordinary people can access all areas.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
Durham Cathedral was built in a meander of the River Wear, on high ground, which provided natural protection. Durham Cathedral housed St Cuthbert's shrine.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'shrine'
a place for worship that is holy because of a connection with a holy person or object.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Cathedrals are like museums and ordinary people can access all areas. Correction: In fact, in medieval times ordinary people could not cross the screen which partitions the nave from the quire.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Durham before the Norman Conquest Study Guide
- Durham Cathedral - historical context themes Study Guide
- Durham Cathedral - sources and historical context Study Guide
- Durham Cathedral and continuity and change in Norman England Study Guide
- Durham Cathedral and Norman government Study Guide
- Durham Cathedral: structuring your answer to the historic environment question Study Guide
- The king and the bishops of Durham Study Guide
- The religious function of Durham Cathedral Study Guide
- The significance of Saint Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede Study Guide
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