Treasure exhibition to open at Durham Cathedral

A new multi-million pound exhibition featuring artefacts dating back to the 14th Century it set to open at Durham Cathedral.

Open Treasure, which opens to the public on July 23, is part of a £10.9 million development project which will gives access to the Cathedral's buildings and collections as never before.

Supported by a grant of £3.9 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the new permanent exhibition will tell the story of Durham Cathedral and its place in the development of Christianity in the North East of England.

Located in the Weston Gallery of the 14th Century Monk's Domitory, the exhibition includes an extensive collection of Celtic, Anglo-Saxon and Roman stones and casts.

A timeline of the Cathedral's history and interactive exhibits detailing 14th Century monastic life at the Cathedral complete the displays.

Dean of Durham, The Very Revd Andrew Tremlett, said:

Sitting under the vaulted octagonal ceiling of the Great Kitchen will be a series of glass cases, which will eventually house the Treasures of St Cuthbert including fragments of his wooden coffin and his Pectoral Cross.

These precious Anglo-Saxon treasures will go into the exhibition in around one year's time.