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Samira Ahmed explores Durham Cathedral's enduring historical, cultural and spiritual significance.
She first visited the cathedral over twenty years ago and it has maintained a fascination for her ever since. Now Samira returns to Durham to explore the connection that she, and so many others, feel with the Cathedral.

'Grey towers of Durham
Yet well I love thy mixed and massive piles
Half church of God, half castle 'gainst the Scot
And long to roam those venerable aisles
With records stored of deeds long since forgot.' Sir Walter Scott, Harold the Dauntless

Durham Cathedral is the shrine of St Cuthbert, the seat of the Bishop of Durham and a focus of pilgrimage and spirituality in North East England.

What is the source of its power to move, not only Christians, but those of others faiths or none? Is it the sanctity of the shrine of St Cuthbert? Is it its spectacular architecture? Is it the unique positioning in the natural and human landscape (now a world heritage site)? Or is it the echoes of centuries of history as a fortress, a seat of learning and a sacred space?

Through words, art and music and by speaking to those intimately connected to the Cathedral, Samira Ahmed creates a vivid portrait of Durham Cathedral through the centuries. She explores how it has reflected Durham's changing communities and balances the preservation of ancient traditions with the celebration of contemporary Christianity, art and music.

The programme includes poems by Thomas Hardy, L.E.L and John Ormond and extracts from Pat Barker. Music includes pieces by Icelandic composer J脙鲁hann J脙鲁hannsson, Kathryn Tickell and the choir of Durham Cathedral.

The readers are George Irving and Olivia Onyehara

Produced by Lucy Dichmont

A Whistledown Production for 鲍鱼tv Radio 4.