The Mothers’ Union
There are many little treasures inside the Gregory Chapel dedicated to the Mothers’ Union, a group that has been present in the Durham Diocese since 1890.
Mary Sumner, the wife of a rector in Hampshire, founded the Mothers' Union in 1876 to help struggling mothers. Since then, the Mothers' Union has been an important part of Anglican outreach, a support system for women led by women.
Things to look for
The Mothers' Union plaque
- Set into the North wall of the Gregory Chapel is a large white limestone plaque. The plaque shows the figure of Mary standing behind Jesus, who is depicted as a young boy. It was made by Robert Kiddey (1900-1984) in 1938 and that same year it was gifted by Mrs Darwin, Diocesan MU vice-president.
- Around Mary’s head is a halo in gold detailing. Mary’s cheek rests on her son’s head and he clasps her left hand on his shoulder. Jesus is shown as a young boy, barefoot, with another gold-detailed halo. The design celebrates the work of the Mothers’ Union and the Anglican Church.
The Mothers' Union name board
- On the North wall of the Gregory Chapel is a light wooden plaque. It presents the names of all the Mothers’ Union Diocesan Presidents since 1891, surrounded by a moulded frame. At the top of the plaque is the Mothers' Union logo and title in blue and gold.
- The board is taken off display when a new name is added.
The Mothers' Union banner
- Hanging proudly on the south side of the Gregory Chapel is the Mothers’ Union processional banner. Its deep and vibrant fabric uses palatinate purple, a colour associated with Durham Cathedral and the City of Durham.
- The banner is used in Mothers' Union processions and has a carrying pole topped with a brass acorn. The crossbar has decorative brass fleur-de-lys on either side. The image in the centre is of Mary and the child Jesus surrounded by the gold text reading “Behold the handmaid of the Lord”. On the other side is an image of St Cuthbert’s pectoral cross (one of the Cathedral’s treasures and on display in the museum).
- We don’t know who made this banner, but it is most likely dates from the 20th Century.
Follow the guided tour
You’re in: The North Transept You’re at: The Mothers’ Union Next stop: The Cloister
- This is the final part of the tour in the main cathedral building
- If you wish to continue the tour, the next location is the Cloister
- To access the Cloister, walk back up the centre of the Nave
- Before you reach the Visitor Desk, you will see a large glass lobby on your left
- This leads you through to the Cloister