3-078-011 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Proposed restoration of the Chapter House, Durham Cathedral (Lightfoot Memorial), the Chapter House as it is and as it will be, 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...Here also were enthroned all the Bishops...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, who had, on several occasions, expressed a strong wish to see such a work undertaken. Our Illustrations show the desired architectural effect, in contrast with the present interior of the building'. From "Illustrated London News", 1890.