3-078-009 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Proposed restoration of the Chapter House, Durham Cathedral (Lightfoot Memorial), the Chapter House as it is, 1890. 'The Chapter House dates from the year 1133, and, when entire, was undoubtedly the grandest Norman chapter house in England. It contains the graves of all the early Bishops of Durham, down to Anthony Beck, the martial prelate who was distinguished in the Scottish wars of Edward I. He was the first to be interred within the precincts of the Cathedral. Here also were enthroned all the Bishops, down to Bishop Barrington. The Chapter House remained untouched by the ravages of time until 1796, when, in an evil hour, the Chapter voted it uncomfortable: accordingly, the eastern end, to the length of 40 ft., was pulled down, and a flat ceiling was substituted for the Norman vaulting. This was an act of vandalism which did not pass without a strong protest from Mr. John Carter, an architectural draughtsman, who, though he failed to save the ancient Chapter House, has fortunately left accurate and detailed drawings of its condition before its destruction. Efforts are now being made to restore this magnificent room to its original beauty, as a memorial of the late lamented Bishop Lightfoot...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1890.