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Toward the central region of County Durham, on the confluence of the River Wear and the River Gaunless tributary, lies the town of Bishop Auckland. Possible Iron Age settlements have been unearthed in the area along with numerous artefacts from the Bronze Age, Neolithic and Mesolithic periods. Some believe Auckland Castle was once a Roman lookout. A well-preserved bathhouse was discovered in nearby Binchester. The Duke of Northumberland was given the land in exchange for protecting the local church in 1000 AD. The land was then provided as a gift in 1020 to the Bishop of Durham, beginning centuries of occupation and rule by the church.
The town developed around a manor house built by Bishop Pudsey in 1183, which was also used as a hunting lodge. Bishop Bek later transformed the lodge into a castle. During the latter part of the 12th century and the beginning of the 13th century, the collegiate church was replaced with St. Andrew's church and eventually a school was established within the building. At the end of the English Civil War, the castle was turned over to Sir Arthur Hazelrig, who demolished the castle and built a sizable estate. During the Industrial Revolution in the early 19th century, the town grew rapidly and coal mining became an important industry, though many believe mining originally began around 1183.
Activities and Attractions
Various cycling and walking paths exist in Bishop Auckland for leisurely treks around the town and the Hamsterley Forest. Present day activities include a number of options, including paintball or bars and casinos. Though very modernised today, Bishop Auckland contains numerous Grade I and II historic buildings. Once again the residence of the current Bishop, Auckland Castle is open to the public and the estate is surrounded by an expansive 323 hectares (800 acres). View the priceless paintings, the throne room and the great hall, then journey along the pathways of the wooded deer park.
Visit the local 800-year-old St. Andrew's parish church, which contains a Roman altar bowl and a Saxon cross. Also within the church are 14th century effigies to a priest, an unknown knight and a lady. Take a stroll across the medieval Skirlaw Bridge, built sometime during the 14th century.
On the west side of Bishop Auckland lies the little village of Escomb and the home of an ancient Saxon church. Originally built during the late 7th century, the site has been a place of worship for more than a millennium. It is believed that the stones comprising the chapel were obtained from the Binchester Roman fort.
Places to Stay and Dining
Bed and breakfasts are a popular kind of logdging offered in the country. Coaching inns from yesteryear contain modern amenities and a fair share of history. These accommodations welcome singles to families with en-suite rooms, but also serve home cooked meals in the facility's restaurant.
The Chang Thai restaurant provides one of the many varied cuisines available in Bishop Auckland. Guests enjoy Asian meals with a spicy flair at reasonable prices. McDonalds is an option for those requiring quick takeaway burgers.
Accommodation in Bishop Auckland
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