The Power of Durham Cathedral.

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The Power of Durham Cathedral

Durham was unique. Not only did its Bishop have all the powers of a Bishop, also bestowed upon him where the powers of a king; therefore he was called the prince bishop. Only four other palantines had this right but none were open to a cleric. The Arms of the See of Durham displays a Bishops miter within a Kings coronet; it was a great privilege to have this right.

The palantine of the Prince Bishop was enormous, from the Scottish borders to Hull.  They purchased land from many manors, although some of it was given as a gift to the Cathedral.

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The monastery lived on the income of this land, which was created from the produce, or the money which the produce made in market.

The monastery also had power over numerous churches and had the right to gain their tithes.

Durham cathedral’s daughter houses also provided a source of income.

The Prince Bishop had so much power he could mint his own coins.

Durham Cathedral was the largest importer of goods in the north east and the extent o f what they imported ranged from coal from Durham to wines from the Mediterranean.

Judging from the amount ...

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