Walter’s Buildings
Walter traveled widely across Europe and Britain over the years acquiring knowledge of architecture and style. Walter’s elevation to a Prince Bishop gave him the funds and opportunity to build and leave a legacy within Yorkshire and his Palatine,
Durham and Northumberland.
A new prison was built as part of the new gateway to the Cathedral and Castle at Durham.
BISHOP AUCKLAND
A new gatehouse to Auckland Castle. A new wing to house Scottish prisoners captured during their cross border raids. A 2 arched bridge “Skirlaw Bridge” built just before 1400 and connecting Bishop Auckland with the new town,
YARM
The most important town on the River Tees, Walter funded and built a new bridge across the Tees in 1400, an important port and crossing point.
CROFT ON TEES
A new seven-arched stone bridge was built by Walter
DURHAM CATHEDRAL
Walter funded the building of dormitories & cloisters for the monks at Durham. Building was not completed before his death and funding continued from his estate.
Not all his endeavours lasted through the years. Walter funded stained glass windows for the Cathedral in Durham. These were all broken by Scottish prisoners of war held at the cathedral.
SHINCLIFFE
A proposed bridge over the river Wear was in jeopardy when funds raised to pay for the project were stolen. In 1405 Walter funded and built the new bridge so improved communications could take place
Yorkshire
YORK MINSTER
Picture York Minster East window
The Dean and clergy at York Minster were attempting to fund the building of the East Window thought to be the largest expanse of medieval glass in the world. Walter stepped forward and funded and designed the project. Despite his generosity in funding works in the Minster and his experience at Durham, Walter was again overlooked for the elevation to the position of Archbishop of York.
Whilst Walter was Arch Deacon of East Yorkshire, he provided funds to finance the choir project at York Minster and rebuild the choir as well as taking down the old lantern steeple and erecting a new one. Walter was also a major donor towards funding the new central tower.
HOWDEN – The tower of Howden Minster was built by Walter and the work likely commenced in 1390, not finishing until the late CIS. The completion of the ornate Chapterhouse was also funded by Walter. Parts of his Manor House, where he died, still exist on the south east of the church.
SKIRLAUGH
Skirlaugh Chapel built as a Chantry Church in perpendicular style.