Durham Cathedral

[jacdee]

Hey,
Was wondering if someone knew anything about the inside of Durham cathedral. I've been told that there's a memorial in there for all the coalminers who lost their lives whilst working in the mines. Is this true? And does it have names on it like some of the war memorials do? I'm curious to know because my GG granddad, Henry Crowther, died in a mining accident in Durham in 1879. I've tried searching on the internet for info, but no luck.
Thanks for any help!,
Jacdee

[Paul E]

Hi Jakki

As far as I recall there is a book of remembrance next to the memorial, the pages of which are turned regularly.  I am sure they would allow you to look for your GG Grandfather if you were to approach the Dean and Chapter.

If you haven't been, its a lovely Cathedral, on a lovely site.

Paul

[Paul E]

And you should find Henry listed here...

http://www.dmm.org.uk/names/names_cr.htm

as well as here...

http://www.dmm.org.uk/colliery/u003.htm#names

best wishes

Paul

[jacdee]

Thank you so much! 
What a fab site!
No, i've not been to the cathedral, unfortunately i live at the other end of the country, near london! But am thinking it might be worthwhile to visit Durham just to do some more family research, a lot of my ancestors were in the durham/northumberland area!
I don't suppose you what info is in the memorial book?

[Paul E]

Hi jacdee (sorry - confused you with another poster, jakki!)

I don;t know exactly what is in the book but I suspect it won;t be a great deal more information than is on the websites I sent you.

Here's a picture of the memorial itself:
http://www.dur.ac.uk/~dla0www/c_tour/coal.html

If you are going to visit Durham you might be well advised to visit when they have the Big Meeting or Miners' Gala (which has to be pronounced gayla, not garla!), which this year is 9 July.

Of course there are no working collieries in Durham now, but you'll get some sense of the history by looking at the banners and the bands from across the county.

http://www.thebigmeeting.co.uk/4594.html  for more information.

best wishes

Paul

[jacdee]

Thanx very much for your help, Paul. I really appreciate it!

[1000xlch]

Hi jacdee

Durham Cathedral is wonderful, has a treasury showing the Bishops Stole form 11th or 12th century and a 10th century bible.  The archives are situated in County Hall, not far from the Railway station, also Regimental Museum the Durham Light Infantry (DLI).  Well worth a visit and stay and look around.  Less frenetic activity up north than down south.  I came from Ferryhill (9 miles south of Durham) originally but now stuck in the Midlands!  DC has tombs of St Cuthbert and St Bede.

Enjoy it when you visit!

John Rowley

[Paul E]

Hi John

I'm a Chilton / Bishop Middleham exile myself, so I know Ferryhill very well.  It doesn;t come much colder than a December market day up on that hill, John!

cheers

Paul

[1000xlch]

I agree Paul, very cold in Dec that is why I tend to go up in summer.  From the workmens club area between the buildings you can see Durham Cathedral on a clear day.

Thanks fellow North Easterner 

John Rowley