Bishop Auckland
 Castles |
Bishop Auckland has been the traditional country seat of the Bishops of Durham since the 12th century, and the town gradually developed around the walls of Auckland Castle, the official residence of the Bishop down the centuries. Although small, Bishop Auckland has a rich history. with several important sites.
The Bishop's home, with its vast parkland freely open to the public, in particular, draws many visitors. The castle began life as a Norman manor house, and stands in the 150 acre Bishop's Park; this park lies to the east of the town's Market Place. Entrance to the castle is through a Gothic screening-wall that frames the 12th century St Peter's Chapel. This chapel, constructed as the Great Banqueting Hall, was later converted by Bishop Cosin in the 17th century. Everything within is decorated with the Bishop's insignia - a diagonal cross on a diamond; this is especially evident on the ceiling, and on the sumptuous furnishing. The remainder of the castle presents a prosperous 18th century style; this is particularly true of the State Rooms, which include the Throne Room.
Outside the castle, in the huge park surrounding it, there are fine walks, neat lawns, majestic trees, two small streams and Bishop Trevor's attractive Gothic deerhouse. Both castle and park are open to the public. At nearby Escomb, the village church takes us back to the time of Bede, for it remains one of the best-preserved Saxon churches in the country. Typically tall and narrow, the outward appearance of the church has changed very little since its construction well before the Norman Conquest. The only alterations are the early Gothic lancet windows, and three larger Victorian ones. Interestingly, the large square pieces of masonry used in the lower parts of the walls, were taken from the former Roman encampment of Vinovia, at nearby Binchester. At this latter site, part of the headquarters building, together with its hypercaust heating system, is open for viewing.
Bishop Auckland is also the place where Stan Laurel, one element of the comic duo Laurel and Hardy, was bought up. He was 14 months old when he came to Bishop Auckland to be baptized at St Peters Church, Princes Street. A plaque can be found on the wall to the left of the font. Stan attended King James Grammar School in the town.