They've remained in a dim room in temperature-controlled conditions throughout the pandemic but now some of Durham Cathedral's biggest treasures are finally making a return to the spotlight.
This Tuesday sees the likes of Saint's Cuthbert's coffin, his jewelled Pectoral Cross and the famous Sanctuary Ring properly back on show for the first time since the Covid and Durham Cathedral Museum - previously known as Open Treasure - is delighted to be able to reopen to visitors. On Monday, the media was invited along for a reminder of what's in store - and also what is new for 2022 - and Marie-Therese Mayne, Durham Cathedral 's exhibitions and collections officer, said: "It's so wonderful to be able to finally welcome visitors back."
Read more: What to see in Durham Cathedral Museum
During the pandemic, the treasures could be viewed only by pre-arranged small groups, with a tour guide, while the interactive elements of the exhibition were unavailable. Now exhibits can be seen in their full glory by people at their leisure. And their surroundings are attractions in themselves.
Visitors to the exhibition access the museum's entrance from the Cloister and then climb stairs to enter what used to be the monks' dormitory, whose high wooden ceiling features 21 whole oak tree trunks. Beyond its display of medieval and Roman exhibits lies the doorway to the treasures, which has a temperature and humidity lock.
Beyond this is, there comes first a new exhibition, Crown and Cathedral: Durham’s Royal Stories, which will be running from Tuesday until July 3.
Here visitors can see the likes of an elaborate gold royal cope, like a cape, worn by the Bishop of Durham to the Queen's - and previous - coronations. In celebration of her jubilee year, there are also photographs of Her Majesty's visits to the cathedral over the years, alongside other royal memorabilia, such as a hand-written letters the cathedral has received from monarchs including Elizabeth l.
Descending the stairs brings visitors to another sealed room which leads to what was the monks' kitchen - a dark space with an extraordinary octagonal ceiling - and it's here that St Cuthbert's relics are on display. These includes the remains of his oak coffin and the Pectoral Cross - often seen as the symbol of Durham - which is inlaid with gold and garnet and was worn by the saint in the 7th Century.
The Sanctuary Ring, often wrong referred to as a knocker, is the 12th Century original of the replica which hangs on the cathedral's main entrance door. Rapping it would entitle anyone - even criminals - to 37 days of sanctuary inside, during which those fleeing from justice would use the time to plot their escape.
For more about the attractions and to buy tickets see here. Entry costs £7.50 and is free to under-16s and carers. An annual pass is available for £15 which will remain valid for a year.
