Repair and Restoration

Repair and Restoration. . The Cloister has had lots of changes, repairs and conservation work over the years: , . 1000s: The first Cloister was built. , . 1093-1133: It was enlarged when the Norman Cathedral was built. , . Late 1100s: Bishop Hugh le Puiset remodelled the Cloister. , . Early 1400s: It was completely rebuilt by Bishops Skirlaw and Langley, who added the timber ceiling with its decorative carved bosses and heraldic shields. , . Early 1700s: Work was carried out on the floor of the walkways, with York stone placed at the edges. , . 1763-68: The windows were restored, but without glazing. , . 1850s: Stonework was repaired and restored. , . 1829: Extensive repair work to the timber ceiling. , . 1959: More repair work on the stone walls. , . 1970-72: Areas of the floor were renewed and relaid., The Reformation , In 1517 the Reformation began and was a protest at corruption in the Church. Reaching England in the 1530s, monasteries were closed and their lands and wealth seized by the Crown. Durham Priory was closed in 1539. but the Cathedral continued., Before the Reformation... , . The north east corner of the Garth had a covered shrine to Saint Cuthbert. , . The windows had stained glass in them, showing scenes from the life of Saint Cuthbert. , . The monks kept their library books in large wooden cupboards along the north walk. , . Above the Laver bowl was a dovecote, a structure housing pigeons or doves., What Are We Doing Now? , Recent surveys have shown that areas of the stonework, especially at the comers of the Cloister, have become weakened. Repairs carried out in the 1800s are now failing and causing damage., The timber roof also needs work to both the wood and the outer lead covering to prevent leaks when it rains. The historic guttering can no longer cope with the volume of rainfall, resulting in water damage and structural concerns., Currently, each corner of the medieval Cloister is supported by temporary scaffolding to help support them and ensure everyone's safety. Our Stonemasons carry out regular maintenance on the stone arches and we are working hard to plan a major programme of repairs, which will probably take several years to carry out. This is partly because we have to time the work around when our resident bats are hibernating, so as not to disturb them.