n
chapel. This second attempt was successful and remains to us in that
beautiful and unique specimen of Transitional work, the Galilee Chapel.
Its date may be taken, says Canon Greenwell, "as about the year 1175."
Besides this work Pudsey built the hall and solar now called (at the
top) the "Norman Gallery" of Durham Castle.

Little or nothing further seems to have been done until the translation
of Bishop Poore from the see of Sarum to Durham in 1229. The name of
Bishop Poore is inseparably connected with the building of the present
Salisbury Cathedral, and after his removal to Durham he conceived the
idea of, and made preparations for, commencing the eastern transept of
the Cathedral, which is a special feature of Durham, now known as the
Chapel of the Nine Altars. He was not, however, destined to live to see
his idea carried out.

The eastern termination of Carileph's choir had been apsidal; it was
found to be in a very unsafe condition, cracks and fissures appearing in
the walls. Various bishops and priors sent aid towards "the new work,"
but actual building did not commence until after the death of Bishop
Poore in 1237. The erection was commenced by Prior Melsanby and, of
course, necessitated the taking down of Carileph's apses. The revaulting
of the choir was undertaken at this time, doubtless, for artistic
reasons, to bring the new work into harmony with the old. The Chapel of
the Nine Altars is a rare and valuable specimen of Early English Gothic
architecture of remarkable and graceful design. Below each of its nine
lancet windows was originally an altar, dedicated to different saints.
Its great height was obtained by lowering the floor, so that the unity
of the whole exterior should not be destroyed. Prior Melsanby is also
said to have put a new roof on the church.

Prior Hugh de Derlington, who was at the head of affairs from 1258 to
1272, and later from 1285 to 1289, added a belfry to the central tower.

John Fossor, made prior of Durham in 1342, inserted the large window in
the north transept and the west windows of the nave.

Bishop Thomas de Hatfield (1346 to 1381) seems to have done no
architectural work beyond the erection of his own throne and tomb (in
which he was afterwards buried) on the south side of the choir. This is
an elaborate and sumptuous piece of work, and shows remains of rich
colouring and gilding. About this time, also, the beautiful altar screen
known as the Neville screen was erect