Durham Cathedral was built as the Shrine of St Cuthbert. Without Cuthbert, this great Norman edifice would not exist, and neither would the castle or, indeed, the city of Durham.

Construction was begun by Bishop William of St-Calais in 1093 and was brought to near-completion by Bishop Ranulf Flambard. Both men had important royal duties, seldom spending time at Durham. Continuity was provided by Prior Turgot.

This is the story of Turgot-a man who, after many adventures in his youth, was shipwrecked while returning from Norway and transported to the realms of St Cuthbert-an unsung...