Year 10 - History
The religious function 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 the religious function of Durham Cathedral.
Key Notes
- The Normans replaced unsuitable Anglo-Saxon prelates with reformers from Normandy or elsewhere.
- The canon of the cathedral chapter was replaced with monks who adopted a stricter Benedictine monasticism.
- Durham Cathedral was transformed into a centre of monastic life.
- Durham Cathedral functioned as a pilgrimage site for St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede.
- The architectural design accommodated the flow of pilgrims.
Vocabulary To Learn
- canon: a Christian priest with special duties in a cathedral
- pulpitum: a stone screen which divides the nave and the quire in a cathedral
- cloister: a covered walkway enclosing a large open courtyard, found in a religious building
- feretory: the chapel in which a shrine is located
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- The Anglo-Saxon clergy were not religious.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
The Normans replaced unsuitable Anglo-Saxon prelates with reformers from Normandy or elsewhere. The canon of the cathedral chapter was replaced with monks who adopted a stricter Benedictine monasticism.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'canon'
a Christian priest with special duties in a cathedral.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: The Anglo-Saxon clergy were not religious. Correction: While the Norman reformers viewed many Anglo-Saxon clergy as unsuitable due to their secular lifestyles, this does not mean all were irreligious.
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 design of Durham Cathedral Study Guide
- The king and the bishops of Durham Study Guide
- The significance of Saint Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede Study Guide
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