Your support really does matter.

There are lots of behind-the-scenes work happening at Durham Cathedral and it’s great to see many Friends-funded projects are underway.

Conservation projects funded by YOU really do make a difference and we are pleased to see that many of the projects supported at our last AGM are underway and we can’t wait to see the finished results.

Works on the Chapel of the Holy Cross are underway

Launching the new Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer is one of the most significant outcomes of the Cathedral’s new ten-year vision process (‘Vision 2033’). Building on recent work, also supported by the Friends, to convert the Deanery Undercroft into a new music library and rehearsal space, this project will bring the Chapel of the Holy Cross back into regular public use. The Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer will welcome pilgrims from near and far, and will create new opportunities for prayer, conversation and learning.

The Works Yard team are carefully renovating The Chapel of the Holy Cross adding accessible facilities, making it energy efficient and restoring timber beams, to create a hospitable and prayerful environment that honours the building’s heritage.

We are delighted to hear that the Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer at Durham Cathedral is due to launch in 2026 and we can’t wait to see the results.

Conservation work is underway on the Father Smith Organ Case

Conservation work has also begun on the Father Smith Organ Case. Anyone visiting Durham Cathedral in March may spot our friends from Skillingtons cleaning and restoring the organ pipes and wood features on the organ case. Already removing the old varnish has highlighted a colour change in the organ pipes, revealing details and decoration on the once again golden pipes. We look forward to seeing the completed work.

We are immensely thankful for the continued support of our members, donors and those who generously leave legacies to us. We are always interested to learn about the connection you have to the cathedral and are continually amazed by the stories you send us from all across the world.