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Friends of Durham Cathedral

Become part of a community with over 3000 members who support conservation and restoration projects for Durham Cathedral, find out more information about the Friends of Durham Cathedral and how to join.

Who are the Friends of Durham Cathedral?

The Friends of Durham Cathedral are an independent charity that supports the cathedral’s conservation and heritage projects. Founded in 1933, the charity has over 3000 members worldwide.

Five Friends of Durham Cathedral reuniting.

What do the Friends do?

Over the past 10 years, the charity has contributed over £2 million towards restoration projects, among them supporting the survival of historic manual skills, including stonemason apprenticeships. 

Member next to a Friends of Durham Cathedral information stall.

South Transept Stone Cross Project

In 2021, the Friends funded a new South Transept stone cross handcrafted by Durham Cathedral’s stonemason Peter Crinnion. The inspiration derived from the cross in the Galilee Chapel at the cathedral, replacing the previous cross, which was badly eroded due to weather damage.

Peter Crinnon with the Stone South Transept Cross in the Cathedral.

Restoration of Plaque listing Bishops, Priors and Deans

Capturing 1000 years of history, there was minimal space remaining on the Bishops, Priors and Dean’s Plaque located on the south wall of the Feretory. With the Friends support, an additional marble plaque was added to allow more inscriptions of future names and dates. The names of the masons who carved the plaque over 100 years ago were revealed in the process. It is expected it will be another 200 years before additional space will be needed.

Portrait image of the Bishops, Priors and Deans Plaque

Conservation of North and South Doors

The Friends have most recently funded the conservation of the North and South Doors, which involved the cleaning of the wood and ironwork and the removal of previous wax coatings. It is estimated that the ironwork dates back to the time of Bishop Hugh of Le Puiset (1153-95), around the same time that the Sanctuary Ring was added to the North Door. Old paint layers on the metal are being examined to discover how early a date the materials may indicate.

Friends members standing in front of the North Door.

Ongoing support

The Friends provide annual grants to the library, the Broderers and education work. The Friends support the conservation of riverbanks and woodlands around the cathedral. The charity are supporters of music in the Cathedral and have provided a Chorister bursary for many years.

Celebrating the Friends of Durham Cathedral 90th Anniversary

This year, the Friends of Durham Cathedral are celebrating their 90th anniversary with a series of events and are looking back at their fundraising achievements over the last 90 years in support of conservation, outreach and visitor experience at the cathedral.

Find out more

Member benefits

Becoming a Friend of Durham Cathedral combines a shared passion of heritage with community spirit. Activities for members include:

  • Friends-only tour of the cathedral
  • Invitation to annual Friends’ Festival and AGM
  • Invitation to special Friends’ events
  • Access to Friends’ recorded Lectures and Talks
  • Friends’ newsletter
  • Discounts for Friends in cathedral Café and Shop
  • Reduced charge for access to Durham Cathedral Museum
  • Early notice of Cathedral events, with priority booking rights for some

Membership costs

  • Annual Junior Membership £3
  • Annual Student Membership £10
  • Annual Single Membership £24
  • Annual Joint Membership (at same address) £36
  • Single Life Membership £200
  • Joint Life Membership (at same address) £300

Become a Friend of Durham Cathedral

Click the link below to view the Friends of Durham Cathedral website for more information and how to become a member.

Join the Friends of Durham Cathedral