The Shrine of St Cuthbert
This is the resting place of St Cuthbert.
In this place of quiet reflection, St Cuthbert is buried beneath a stone slab that bears his name in Latin: CVTHBERTVS.
Where is this space?
The Shrine of St Cuthbert, also known as the feretory sits behind the quire. You can access the shrine via the stairs in the Chapel of the Nine Altars.
How is it used today?
This is a place of quiet contemplation and a space for visitors to explore their faith.
Interesting things to look for here
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St Cuthbert's Banner
Hanging on the south aisle wall of the Feretory is a replica of the original St Cuthbert’s Banner. This bold processional banner is used during important cathedral ceremonies.
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St Cuthbert's Statue
A medieval statue of St Cuthbert stands on the south-west side of his tomb.
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The Cuthbert and Oswald Banners
Hung on the pillars on each side of St Cuthbert’s shrine are banners of St Oswald and St Cuthbert, designed by Thetis Blacker in 2001.
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The Shrine Cover
Hung directly above St Cuthbert’s shrine is a cover, often referred to as a ‘tester’, a type of canopy.
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The Boundary Line
On the east side of St Cuthbert’s shrine there is a mysterious semi-circular line on the floor.
History
The Shrine of St Cuthbert in the medieval monastery
St Cuthbert was one of the great Northern Saints, and was buried on the island of Inner Farne when he died in 687. In the 9th century, a new resting place for St Cuthbert was needed, following the threat of Viking invasion. Legend has it, whilst the community were looking for a new home for the relics of St Cuthbert, the cart bearing his coffin became stuck in the ground. Cuthbert came to a monk in a dream, telling them to take him to Dun Holm. The wheels of the cart suddenly became unstuck, and Cuthbert has since remained on the Durham peninsula.
Changes over the past 500 years
In late 1537, the king’s commissioners were ordered to dismantle Cuthbert’s shrine. The space was stripped of old gold, silver, and jewels, and was levelled to the ground. The commissioners uncovered Cuthbert’s coffin, and found not dust and bones, but an unconsumed body in priestly vestments. Taking this as a sign of Cuthbert’s holiness, the grave was reinterred.
In 1827, Cuthbert’s grave was opened up once again, and some of the precious artefacts were removed. These are the Treasures of St Cuthbert, which are on display today in the Durham Cathedral Museum.
Accessibility
Wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility
The Shrine of St Cuthbert is not accessible without stairs.
Visitors with a hearing impairment
Written information can be found inside the shrine.
Neurodiverse visitors
The Shrine of St Cuthbert is a quiet location.
Blind and partially sighted visitors
Light levels in the cathedral can be low depending on the time of day and year.
Visitors can feel the carving of St Cuthbert's name on the floor of the shrine, marking his resting place.