Anglo-Saxons to Normans.

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Today we visited the Norman cathedral and castle in Durham. Both building are perched above the town on a bend of the River Wear. The Cathedral contains the tobms of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. A very moving experience to visit both these tombs. The Norman architecture was very different to that of the Gothic cathedrals that we have visited so far. The castle is now owned by the University and serves as student accomodation. The only way we were able to see inside the castle was to be a part of a tour with an official guide. The castle was originally the home of the Prince Bishopd for many centuries. Over the years, each of the Prince Bishops put their own touches to the buildings of the castle. It has one of the best examples of Norman archways in Britain, if not in the whole world. Two point of interest were the black staircase and the Norman Chapel. Unfortunately, we were not able to take photos or video in either the cathedral or the castle. Later in the afternoon, we decided to drive to Escomb to see an Anglo-Saxon church. It was built between 670 to 690 AD. It was awesome to have been standing in a building that was over 1300 years old and built of some stones and an archway believed to be of Roman origin. In the sanctuary, there was a cross that they believed to have predated the church.

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Photos

Durham Castle and Cathedral.
The Castle (left) and the Cathedral (right) as viewed from a distance.

Durham Castle.
Another view from a distance.

Durham Cathedral.
The central tower and the western end with its towers.

Anglo-Saxon church of Escomb.
It's hard to believe that it is still standing and in use after 1300 years.

Anglo-Saxon church of Escomb.
Another view.

Stone cross at Escomb.
This cross may possibly predates the church.