The defendable position, flow of money from pilgrims, and power embodied in the church at Durham ensures that a town forms around the cathedral, establishing the early core of the modern city.

A very simple temporary structure to house the relics of Cuthbert at Durham had been built initially from local timber.

The shrine was then transferred to a sturdier, probably wooden, building known as the White Church.

This church was itself replaced three years later in 998 by a stone building also known as the White Church, which had been completed by 1018 apart from its tower.

Durham will soon become a site of pilgrimage, encouraged by the growing cult of Saint Cuthbert.

King Cnut is one such early pilgrim, granting many privileges and much land to the Durham community.