TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Cathedral librarian who “lived and breathed everything Durham” - following his death aged 80. 

Roger Norris, who had lived in the historic city for over 50 years, died on Sunday (December 19) – and leaves behind an army of friends and colleagues after a distinguished career that saw him join Durham Freemen, charity trusts and historical groups.

Despite being born in Hayes, Middlesex, and moving around the country in his younger years, due to his RAF officer father, his heart belonged to Durham, according to those that knew him best.

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To set him up for his career as a Durham Cathedral librarian, Mr Norris studied ancient and modern literature at Trinity College, Dublin, worked as a librarian at Kilburn Polytechnic in London and studied for a professional librarian’s qualification at Sheffield before taking up a post at Edinburgh University.

His appointment to Durham Cathedral in 1966 introduced him to one of the most important cathedral collections in the country, including some of the earliest Anglo-Saxon manuscripts and ancient artefacts.

Despite not knowing too much about the area before he moved there, by his own admission, from 1966 onwards, his appointment as honorary secretary of the City of Durham Trust a year later “sparked” that interest and passion for everything Durham and County Durham.

The Northern Echo: Mr Norris was part of historical societies, charity trusts and many other groups throughout his life. Mr Norris was part of historical societies, charity trusts and many other groups throughout his life.

After that, it was all about immersing himself in anything that the city did, whether it was his long stints in the Durham Diocesan Committee for the Care of Churches, Durham Victoria County History Trust, and the Northumbria Historic Churches Trust.

Similar roles as chairman of Durham Council of Churches and president of the Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland, as well as trustee’s chairman of Durham Freemen for 20 years. 

It was his role as Cathedral librarian that he was most passionate about, though, according to his friend of 40 years, Chris Meikle.

The Northern Echo: The former librarian never had a family of his own, but had "an army of friends," according to those that knew him most. Photo: CHRIS MEIKLE. The former librarian never had a family of his own, but had "an army of friends," according to those that knew him most. Photo: CHRIS MEIKLE.

Even though Mr Norris was never married or had any children, Chris says that his “cherished friends” became his family – including spending Christmases with those that he held dearest.

Paying tribute to his “incredibly kind and wickedly funny” friend, Mr Meikle said: “He had friends from all over the place – from all walks of life, all backgrounds, and it’s because he truly got involved in anything and everything Durham. Everyone knew him, whether that was as a great friend or a kind person who was part of a group, he was well-liked.

“Over the last 40 years, we’ve taken him into our family, we’ve taken him on holiday with us, and he’s become such a special person in all of our lives.

The Northern Echo: Durham Freemen was also a massive part of Roger's life, as he became Trustee chairman for 20 years. Photo: CHRIS MEIKLE.Durham Freemen was also a massive part of Roger's life, as he became Trustee chairman for 20 years. Photo: CHRIS MEIKLE.

“He has a special gift to never pre-judge people. I don’t know how he does it. He doesn’t care where you come from, what you do, but he wanted to take an interest in every person he met.”

Throughout his life, the former Cathedral librarian stayed “modest and humble,” which showed when he ever needed to accept an award, says Mr Meikle.

Instead of crediting himself, he “always credited others and sang their praises” – something that he will be remembered by.

The Northern Echo: Roger will also be remembered for his loyalty to his faith, after detouring 50 miles at a time on long trips to see the churches of the UK. Photo: CHRIS MEIKLE. Roger will also be remembered for his loyalty to his faith, after detouring 50 miles at a time on long trips to see the churches of the UK. Photo: CHRIS MEIKLE.

However, Mr Meikle also highlights that his “father figure” of a friend will be remembered for his loyalty to his faith, which saw him become a vital part of the community at St Paul’s Monastery in Jarrow.

For many, that would mean sticking to the same church each week, but for Roger, he “constantly” had to visit numerous churches in the UK on long journeys, making 50-mile detours at a time, according to Chris.

Mr Meikle added: “He had a wicked sense of humour and such an impressive and complex vocabulary – I feel I learnt so much from him, he was so smart.

Read more: Durham Cathedral Library to showcase a collection of banned books

“He had a lot of friends that became family. After his death, I initially thought about the massive impact he’s made and then I thought about the numerous people who will be saddened by his death.

“He leaves behind his career, his endless collection of books, but, most of all, he leaves behind some great friends he’s made along the way.”

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