England

Durham has its origins in 995, when monks from Lindisfarne, at that time on the run from the Vikings for over 100 years, chose this place as the final resting place for the mortal remains of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and founded a church. Cuthbert's grave attracted many pilgrims and over time a town developed around the church. In 1006 and 1038, this settlement was unsuccessfully attacked by Scots. The hilltop location of the town proved to be easy to defend. There was a predecessor building, a former Lindisfarn priory, from Anglo-Saxon times. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid under the first bishop, William of St Calais, in 1093. With the monastery connected to it and its position on a difficult-to-attack hill in a bend of the River Wear, the complex served as Northumbria's bulwark against the Scots. The present building was substantially completed between 1093 and 1133. It is a significant example of the Romanesque style, and the nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. The east end was expanded in the Early English Gothic style in the 1230s The early Gothic west towers were completed in 1220. The west façade was given a large front window. The Romanesque choir end was demolished and replaced by the Chapel of the Nine Altars in 1242-1280. Prior Castell's Clock is an astronomical clock that was placed in the cathedral between 1494 and 1519, during the tenure of Prior Thomas Castell. In 1845, Dean George Waddington removed the clock case from the cathedral. A main part of the clock case was given to Pittington Hallgarth Church in 1847. The clock mechanism was fixed in a blank window. Parts of it were rediscovered in 1936 and a campaign was launched to restore it.

Durham has its origins in 995, when monks from Lindisfarne, at that time on the run from the Vikings for over 100 years, chose this place as the final resting place for the mortal remains of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and founded a church. Cuthbert's grave attracted many pilgrims and over time a town developed around the church. In 1006 and 1038, this settlement was unsuccessfully attacked by Scots. The hilltop location of the town proved to be easy to defend. There was a predecessor building, a former Lindisfarn priory, from Anglo-Saxon times. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid under the first bishop, William of St Calais, in 1093. With the monastery connected to it and its position on a difficult-to-attack hill in a bend of the River Wear, the complex served as Northumbria's bulwark against the Scots. The present building was substantially completed between 1093 and 1133. It is a significant example of the Romanesque style, and the nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. The east end was expanded in the Early English Gothic style in the 1230s The early Gothic west towers were completed in 1220. The west façade was given a large front window. The Romanesque choir end was demolished and replaced by the Chapel of the Nine Altars in 1242-1280. During the Reformation in England, initiated by Henry VIII, many of the furnishings were destroyed in the first iconoclasm. In 1539, the king also dissolved the Benedictine monastery in Durham. Around 1560, the medieval wall paintings that covered all the church walls inside were whitewashed and the figuratively designed stained glass windows were destroyed. Today´s stained glass windows are not the orginal ones.

Durham has its origins in 995, when monks from Lindisfarne, at that time on the run from the Vikings for over 100 years, chose this place as the final resting place for the mortal remains of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and founded a church. Cuthbert's grave attracted many pilgrims and over time a town developed around the church. In 1006 and 1038, this settlement was unsuccessfully attacked by Scots. The hilltop location of the town proved to be easy to defend. There was a predecessor building, a former Lindisfarn priory, from Anglo-Saxon times. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid under the first bishop, William of St Calais, in 1093. With the monastery connected to it and its position on a difficult-to-attack hill in a bend of the River Wear, the complex served as Northumbria's bulwark against the Scots. The present building was substantially completed between 1093 and 1133. It is a significant example of the Romanesque style, and the nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. The east end was expanded in the Early English Gothic style in the 1230s The early Gothic west towers were completed in 1220. The west façade was given a large front window. The Romanesque choir end was demolished and replaced by the Chapel of the Nine Altars in 1242-1280. During the Reformation in England, initiated by Henry VIII, many of the furnishings were destroyed in the first iconoclasm. In 1539, the king also dissolved the Benedictine monastery in Durham. Around 1560, the medieval wall paintings that covered all the church walls inside were whitewashed and the figuratively designed stained glass windows were destroyed. Today´s stained glass windows are not the orginal ones. The choir stalls

Durham has its origins in 995, when monks from Lindisfarne, at that time on the run from the Vikings for over 100 years, chose this place as the final resting place for the mortal remains of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and founded a church. Cuthbert's grave attracted many pilgrims and over time a town developed around the church. In 1006 and 1038, this settlement was unsuccessfully attacked by Scots. The hilltop location of the town proved to be easy to defend. There was a predecessor building, a former Lindisfarn priory, from Anglo-Saxon times. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid under the first bishop, William of St Calais, in 1093. With the monastery connected to it and its position on a difficult-to-attack hill in a bend of the River Wear, the complex served as Northumbria's bulwark against the Scots. The present building was substantially completed between 1093 and 1133. It is a significant example of the Romanesque style, and the nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. The east end was expanded in the Early English Gothic style in the 1230s The early Gothic west towers were completed in 1220. The west façade was given a large front window. The Romanesque choir end was demolished and replaced by the Chapel of the Nine Altars in 1242-1280. During the Reformation in England, initiated by Henry VIII, many of the furnishings were destroyed in the first iconoclasm. In 1539, the king also dissolved the Benedictine monastery in Durham. Around 1560, the medieval wall paintings that covered all the church walls inside were whitewashed and the figuratively designed stained glass windows were destroyed.

Durham has its origins in 995, when monks from Lindisfarne, at that time on the run from the Vikings for over 100 years, chose this place as the final resting place for the mortal remains of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and founded a church. Cuthbert's grave attracted many pilgrims and over time a town developed around the church. In 1006 and 1038, this settlement was unsuccessfully attacked by Scots. The hilltop location of the town proved to be easy to defend. There was a predecessor building, a former Lindisfarn priory, from Anglo-Saxon times. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid under the first bishop, William of St Calais, in 1093. With the monastery connected to it and its position on a difficult-to-attack hill in a bend of the River Wear, the complex served as Northumbria's bulwark against the Scots. The present building was substantially completed between 1093 and 1133. It is a significant example of the Romanesque style, and the nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. The east end was expanded in the Early English Gothic style in the 1230s The early Gothic west towers were completed in 1220. The west façade was given a large front window. The Romanesque choir end was demolished and replaced by the Chapel of the Nine Altars in 1242-1280. During the Reformation in England, initiated by Henry VIII, many of the furnishings were destroyed in the first iconoclasm. In 1539, the king also dissolved the Benedictine monastery in Durham. Around 1560, the medieval wall paintings that covered all the church walls inside were whitewashed and the figuratively designed stained glass windows were destroyed.

Durham has its origins in 995, when monks from Lindisfarne, at that time on the run from the Vikings for over 100 years, chose this place as the final resting place for the mortal remains of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and founded a church. Cuthbert's grave attracted many pilgrims and over time a town developed around the church. In 1006 and 1038, this settlement was unsuccessfully attacked by Scots. The hilltop location of the town proved to be easy to defend. There was a predecessor building, a former Lindisfarn priory, from Anglo-Saxon times. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid under the first bishop, William of St Calais, in 1093. With the monastery connected to it and its position on a difficult-to-attack hill in a bend of the River Wear, the complex served as Northumbria's bulwark against the Scots. The present building was substantially completed between 1093 and 1133. It is a significant example of the Romanesque style, and the nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. The east end was expanded in the Early English Gothic style in the 1230s The early Gothic west towers were completed in 1220. The west façade was given a large front window. The Romanesque choir end was demolished and replaced by the Chapel of the Nine Altars in 1242-1280. During the Reformation in England, initiated by Henry VIII, many of the furnishings were destroyed in the first iconoclasm. In 1539, the king also dissolved the Benedictine monastery in Durham. Around 1560, the medieval wall paintings that covered all the church walls inside were whitewashed and the figuratively designed stained glass windows were destroyed. Cephalophores, saints who carry their own head, are often found in France (e.g. St Denis). This could be St Cuthbert, but most often he is actually seen with two heads, his own and that of St Oswald, who was buried here with him. It is possible that the iconoclasts destroyed the head of St Cuthbert.

Durham has its origins in 995, when monks from Lindisfarne, at that time on the run from the Vikings for over 100 years, chose this place as the final resting place for the mortal remains of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and founded a church. Cuthbert's grave attracted many pilgrims and over time a town developed around the church. In 1006 and 1038, this settlement was unsuccessfully attacked by Scots. The hilltop location of the town proved to be easy to defend. There was a predecessor building, a former Lindisfarn priory, from Anglo-Saxon times. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid under the first bishop, William of St Calais, in 1093. With the monastery connected to it and its position on a difficult-to-attack hill in a bend of the River Wear, the complex served as Northumbria's bulwark against the Scots. The present building was substantially completed between 1093 and 1133. It is a significant example of the Romanesque style, and the nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. The east end was expanded in the Early English Gothic style in the 1230s The early Gothic west towers were completed in 1220. The west façade was given a large front window. The Romanesque choir end was demolished and replaced by the Chapel of the Nine Altars in 1242-1280. During the Reformation in England, initiated by Henry VIII, many of the furnishings were destroyed in the first iconoclasm. In 1539, the king also dissolved the Benedictine monastery in Durham. Around 1560, the medieval wall paintings that covered all the church walls inside were whitewashed and the figuratively designed stained glass windows were destroyed. The furious vandals of the iconoclasts usually leave behind a destroyed interior and lots of graffiti. They prefer to carve their initials into images that are completely covered.

Durham has its origins in 995, when monks from Lindisfarne, at that time on the run from the Vikings for over 100 years, chose this place as the final resting place for the mortal remains of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and founded a church. Cuthbert's grave attracted many pilgrims and over time a town developed around the church. In 1006 and 1038, this settlement was unsuccessfully attacked by Scots. The hilltop location of the town proved to be easy to defend. There was a predecessor building, a former Lindisfarn priory, from Anglo-Saxon times. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid under the first bishop, William of St Calais, in 1093. With the monastery connected to it and its position on a difficult-to-attack hill in a bend of the River Wear, the complex served as Northumbria's bulwark against the Scots. The present building was substantially completed between 1093 and 1133. It is a significant example of the Romanesque style, and the nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. The east end was expanded in the Early English Gothic style in the 1230s The early Gothic west towers were completed in 1220. The west façade was given a large front window. The Romanesque choir end was demolished and replaced by the Chapel of the Nine Altars in 1242-1280. During the Reformation in England, initiated by Henry VIII, many of the furnishings were destroyed in the first iconoclasm. In 1539, the king also dissolved the Benedictine monastery in Durham. Around 1560, the medieval wall paintings that covered all the church walls inside were whitewashed and the figuratively designed stained glass windows were destroyed.

Durham has its origins in 995, when monks from Lindisfarne, at that time on the run from the Vikings for over 100 years, chose this place as the final resting place for the mortal remains of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and founded a church. Cuthbert's grave attracted many pilgrims and over time a town developed around the church. In 1006 and 1038, this settlement was unsuccessfully attacked by Scots. The hilltop location of the town proved to be easy to defend. There was a predecessor building, a former Lindisfarn priory, from Anglo-Saxon times. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid under the first bishop, William of St Calais, in 1093. With the monastery connected to it and its position on a difficult-to-attack hill in a bend of the River Wear, the complex served as Northumbria's bulwark against the Scots. The present building was substantially completed between 1093 and 1133. It is a significant example of the Romanesque style, and the nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. The east end was expanded in the Early English Gothic style in the 1230s The early Gothic west towers were completed in 1220. The west façade was given a large front window. The Romanesque choir end was demolished and replaced by the Chapel of the Nine Altars in 1242-1280. During the Reformation in England, initiated by Henry VIII, many of the furnishings were destroyed in the first iconoclasm. In 1539, the king also dissolved the Benedictine monastery in Durham. Around 1560, the medieval wall paintings that covered all the church walls inside were whitewashed and the figuratively designed stained glass windows were destroyed.

Durham has its origins in 995, when monks from Lindisfarne, at that time on the run from the Vikings for over 100 years, chose this place as the final resting place for the mortal remains of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and founded a church. Cuthbert's grave attracted many pilgrims and over time a town developed around the church. In 1006 and 1038, this settlement was unsuccessfully attacked by Scots. The hilltop location of the town proved to be easy to defend. There was a predecessor building, a former Lindisfarn priory, from Anglo-Saxon times. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid under the first bishop, William of St Calais, in 1093. With the monastery connected to it and its position on a difficult-to-attack hill in a bend of the River Wear, the complex served as Northumbria's bulwark against the Scots. The present building was substantially completed between 1093 and 1133. It is a significant example of the Romanesque style, and the nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. The east end was expanded in the Early English Gothic style in the 1230s The early Gothic west towers were completed in 1220. The west façade was given a large front window. The Romanesque choir end was demolished and replaced by the Chapel of the Nine Altars in 1242-1280. During the Reformation in England, initiated by Henry VIII, many of the furnishings were destroyed in the first iconoclasm. In 1539, the king also dissolved the Benedictine monastery in Durham. Around 1560, the medieval wall paintings that covered all the church walls inside were whitewashed and the figuratively designed stained glass windows were destroyed. The cloister

Durham has its origins in 995, when monks from Lindisfarne, at that time on the run from the Vikings for over 100 years, chose this place as the final resting place for the mortal remains of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and founded a church. Cuthbert's grave attracted many pilgrims and over time a town developed around the church. In 1006 and 1038, this settlement was unsuccessfully attacked by Scots. The hilltop location of the town proved to be easy to defend. There was a predecessor building, a former Lindisfarn priory, from Anglo-Saxon times. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid under the first bishop, William of St Calais, in 1093. With the monastery connected to it and its position on a difficult-to-attack hill in a bend of the River Wear, the complex served as Northumbria's bulwark against the Scots. The present building was substantially completed between 1093 and 1133. It is a significant example of the Romanesque style, and the nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. The east end was expanded in the Early English Gothic style in the 1230s The early Gothic west towers were completed in 1220. The west façade was given a large front window. The Romanesque choir end was demolished and replaced by the Chapel of the Nine Altars in 1242-1280. During the Reformation in England, initiated by Henry VIII, many of the furnishings were destroyed in the first iconoclasm. In 1539, the king also dissolved the Benedictine monastery in Durham. Around 1560, the medieval wall paintings that covered all the church walls inside were whitewashed and the figuratively designed stained glass windows were destroyed. The Romanesque portal.

Durham has its origins in 995, when monks from Lindisfarne, at that time on the run from the Vikings for over 100 years, chose this place as the final resting place for the mortal remains of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and founded a church. Cuthbert's grave attracted many pilgrims and over time a town developed around the church. In 1006 and 1038, this settlement was unsuccessfully attacked by Scots. The hilltop location of the town proved to be easy to defend. There was a predecessor building, a former Lindisfarn priory, from Anglo-Saxon times. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid under the first bishop, William of St Calais, in 1093. With the monastery connected to it and its position on a difficult-to-attack hill in a bend of the River Wear, the complex served as Northumbria's bulwark against the Scots. The present building was substantially completed between 1093 and 1133. It is a significant example of the Romanesque style, and the nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. The east end was expanded in the Early English Gothic style in the 1230s The early Gothic west towers were completed in 1220. The west façade was given a large front window. The Romanesque choir end was demolished and replaced by the Chapel of the Nine Altars in 1242-1280. During the Reformation in England, initiated by Henry VIII, many of the furnishings were destroyed in the first iconoclasm. In 1539, the king also dissolved the Benedictine monastery in Durham. Around 1560, the medieval wall paintings that covered all the church walls inside were whitewashed and the figuratively designed stained glass windows were destroyed. The "Cathedral Treasures Exhibit" is an excellent museum, centered around Anglo-Saxon art

Durham has its origins in 995, when monks from Lindisfarne, at that time on the run from the Vikings for over 100 years, chose this place as the final resting place for the mortal remains of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and founded a church. Cuthbert's grave attracted many pilgrims and over time a town developed around the church. In 1006 and 1038, this settlement was unsuccessfully attacked by Scots. The hilltop location of the town proved to be easy to defend. There was a predecessor building, a former Lindisfarn priory, from Anglo-Saxon times. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid under the first bishop, William of St Calais, in 1093. With the monastery connected to it and its position on a difficult-to-attack hill in a bend of the River Wear, the complex served as Northumbria's bulwark against the Scots. The present building was substantially completed between 1093 and 1133. It is a significant example of the Romanesque style, and the nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. The east end was expanded in the Early English Gothic style in the 1230s The early Gothic west towers were completed in 1220. The west façade was given a large front window. The Romanesque choir end was demolished and replaced by the Chapel of the Nine Altars in 1242-1280. During the Reformation in England, initiated by Henry VIII, many of the furnishings were destroyed in the first iconoclasm. In 1539, the king also dissolved the Benedictine monastery in Durham. Around 1560, the medieval wall paintings that covered all the church walls inside were whitewashed and the figuratively designed stained glass windows were destroyed. The "Cathedral Treasures Exhibit" is an excellent museum, centered around Anglo-Saxon art Free standing "Preaching crosses" were erected, where the Gospel was preached. These crosses were a common and important form of Anglo-Saxon Christian monument.

Durham has its origins in 995, when monks from Lindisfarne, at that time on the run from the Vikings for over 100 years, chose this place as the final resting place for the mortal remains of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and founded a church. Cuthbert's grave attracted many pilgrims and over time a town developed around the church. In 1006 and 1038, this settlement was unsuccessfully attacked by Scots. The hilltop location of the town proved to be easy to defend. There was a predecessor building, a former Lindisfarn priory, from Anglo-Saxon times. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid under the first bishop, William of St Calais, in 1093. With the monastery connected to it and its position on a difficult-to-attack hill in a bend of the River Wear, the complex served as Northumbria's bulwark against the Scots. The present building was substantially completed between 1093 and 1133. It is a significant example of the Romanesque style, and the nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. The east end was expanded in the Early English Gothic style in the 1230s The early Gothic west towers were completed in 1220. The west façade was given a large front window. The Romanesque choir end was demolished and replaced by the Chapel of the Nine Altars in 1242-1280. During the Reformation in England, initiated by Henry VIII, many of the furnishings were destroyed in the first iconoclasm. In 1539, the king also dissolved the Benedictine monastery in Durham. Around 1560, the medieval wall paintings that covered all the church walls inside were whitewashed and the figuratively designed stained glass windows were destroyed. The "Cathedral Treasures Exhibit" is an excellent museum, centered around Anglo-Saxon art Free standing "Preaching crosses" were erected, where the Gospel was preached. These crosses were a common and important form of Anglo-Saxon Christian monument.

Durham has its origins in 995, when monks from Lindisfarne, at that time on the run from the Vikings for over 100 years, chose this place as the final resting place for the mortal remains of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and founded a church. Cuthbert's grave attracted many pilgrims and over time a town developed around the church. In 1006 and 1038, this settlement was unsuccessfully attacked by Scots. The hilltop location of the town proved to be easy to defend. There was a predecessor building, a former Lindisfarn priory, from Anglo-Saxon times. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid under the first bishop, William of St Calais, in 1093. With the monastery connected to it and its position on a difficult-to-attack hill in a bend of the River Wear, the complex served as Northumbria's bulwark against the Scots. The present building was substantially completed between 1093 and 1133. It is a significant example of the Romanesque style, and the nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. The east end was expanded in the Early English Gothic style in the 1230s The early Gothic west towers were completed in 1220. The west façade was given a large front window. The Romanesque choir end was demolished and replaced by the Chapel of the Nine Altars in 1242-1280. During the Reformation in England, initiated by Henry VIII, many of the furnishings were destroyed in the first iconoclasm. In 1539, the king also dissolved the Benedictine monastery in Durham. Around 1560, the medieval wall paintings that covered all the church walls inside were whitewashed and the figuratively designed stained glass windows were destroyed. The "Cathedral Treasures Exhibit" is an excellent museum, centered around Anglo-Saxon art Free standing "Preaching crosses" were erected, where the Gospel was preached. These crosses were a common and important form of Anglo-Saxon Christian monument. These fragments are from the early 11th century

Durham has its origins in 995, when monks from Lindisfarne, at that time on the run from the Vikings for over 100 years, chose this place as the final resting place for the mortal remains of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and founded a church. Cuthbert's grave attracted many pilgrims and over time a town developed around the church. In 1006 and 1038, this settlement was unsuccessfully attacked by Scots. The hilltop location of the town proved to be easy to defend. There was a predecessor building, a former Lindisfarn priory, from Anglo-Saxon times. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid under the first bishop, William of St Calais, in 1093. With the monastery connected to it and its position on a difficult-to-attack hill in a bend of the River Wear, the complex served as Northumbria's bulwark against the Scots. The present building was substantially completed between 1093 and 1133. It is a significant example of the Romanesque style, and the nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. The east end was expanded in the Early English Gothic style in the 1230s The early Gothic west towers were completed in 1220. The west façade was given a large front window. The Romanesque choir end was demolished and replaced by the Chapel of the Nine Altars in 1242-1280. During the Reformation in England, initiated by Henry VIII, many of the furnishings were destroyed in the first iconoclasm. In 1539, the king also dissolved the Benedictine monastery in Durham. Around 1560, the medieval wall paintings that covered all the church walls inside were whitewashed and the figuratively designed stained glass windows were destroyed. The "Cathedral Treasures Exhibit" is an excellent museum, centered around Anglo-Saxon art Free standing "Preaching crosses" were erected, where the Gospel was preached. These crosses were a common and important form of Anglo-Saxon Christian monument. These fragments are from the 10th and 11th centuries

Durham has its origins in 995, when monks from Lindisfarne, at that time on the run from the Vikings for over 100 years, chose this place as the final resting place for the mortal remains of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and founded a church. Cuthbert's grave attracted many pilgrims and over time a town developed around the church. In 1006 and 1038, this settlement was unsuccessfully attacked by Scots. The hilltop location of the town proved to be easy to defend. There was a predecessor building, a former Lindisfarn priory, from Anglo-Saxon times. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid under the first bishop, William of St Calais, in 1093. With the monastery connected to it and its position on a difficult-to-attack hill in a bend of the River Wear, the complex served as Northumbria's bulwark against the Scots. The present building was substantially completed between 1093 and 1133. It is a significant example of the Romanesque style, and the nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. The east end was expanded in the Early English Gothic style in the 1230s The early Gothic west towers were completed in 1220. The west façade was given a large front window. The Romanesque choir end was demolished and replaced by the Chapel of the Nine Altars in 1242-1280. During the Reformation in England, initiated by Henry VIII, many of the furnishings were destroyed in the first iconoclasm. In 1539, the king also dissolved the Benedictine monastery in Durham. Around 1560, the medieval wall paintings that covered all the church walls inside were whitewashed and the figuratively designed stained glass windows were destroyed. The "Cathedral Treasures Exhibit" is an excellent museum, centered around Anglo-Saxon art The Nesham Cross - 13th century

Durham has its origins in 995, when monks from Lindisfarne, at that time on the run from the Vikings for over 100 years, chose this place as the final resting place for the mortal remains of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and founded a church. Cuthbert's grave attracted many pilgrims and over time a town developed around the church. In 1006 and 1038, this settlement was unsuccessfully attacked by Scots. The hilltop location of the town proved to be easy to defend. There was a predecessor building, a former Lindisfarn priory, from Anglo-Saxon times. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid under the first bishop, William of St Calais, in 1093. With the monastery connected to it and its position on a difficult-to-attack hill in a bend of the River Wear, the complex served as Northumbria's bulwark against the Scots. The present building was substantially completed between 1093 and 1133. It is a significant example of the Romanesque style, and the nave ceiling is the earliest surviving example of a pointed rib vault. The east end was expanded in the Early English Gothic style in the 1230s The early Gothic west towers were completed in 1220. The west façade was given a large front window. The Romanesque choir end was demolished and replaced by the Chapel of the Nine Altars in 1242-1280. During the Reformation in England, initiated by Henry VIII, many of the furnishings were destroyed in the first iconoclasm. In 1539, the king also dissolved the Benedictine monastery in Durham. Around 1560, the medieval wall paintings that covered all the church walls inside were whitewashed and the figuratively designed stained glass windows were destroyed. The "Cathedral Treasures Exhibit" is an excellent museum The Sanctuary Ring - 12th century - Bronze This is the original, the ring at the cathedral´s door is a copy. St. Cuthbert´s shrine was not only a place of pilgimage but also a refuguge for thorse seeking "sanctuary". Fugitives who touched this ring at the cathedral´s door were given 37 days of protection from the law before to face trial or go into exile. This right of sanctuary continued here to 1624.