Sponsored by
Durham County Council
Located in the recently restored and extended Grade II listed Mount Oswald manor house on the outskirts of Durham City, The Story seamlessly combines Georgian grandeur with state-of-the-art modern facilities following a £20million transformation.
Durham County Council’s brand-new visitor attraction is home to 600+ tonnes of historic material, 9 kilometres of historical documents, 900+ years of records, and brings together 5 County Durham collections under one roof for the first time.
It’s also free to visit! Here are seven things you can do there this summer…
Delve into the history of the DLI
The Story has reunited the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Collection with the DLI Archive for the first time since 1998.
The collection contains uniforms, archives and medals charting the lives of individual soldiers.
Of course, not all treasures are made of gold and silver. Many of the objects are prized because of the stories they tell – of sacrifice, heroism and regimental life.
Research your family tree
Explore your own story – all births, deaths and marriages in County Durham since 1837 are recorded in the Historic Registration collection.
These documents tell us about communities, relationships and connections between people – where they lived, the jobs they did, when and how they died.
Registers also tell the story of local tragedies like colliery disasters and outbreaks of illness.
Book up for family-friendly activities
Join Rory from The Story (he’s a teddy bear) for fun interactive activities this summer.
Activities include crafts, object handling, and opportunities to learn about the venue’s collections in a fun, accessible way.
Everyone is welcome but activities are aimed at children aged seven and upwards. All events are free but please book through the website.
Discover a treasure trove of stories
A 15th century deed concerning the sale of land in Seaham signed by the hand of Richard, Duke of Gloucester (who later became King Richard III).
A DLI soldier’s message in a bottle sent during the First World War and dredged up off the Essex coast 85 years later.
Victor Pasmore’s wooden model depicting the Apollo Pavilion in Peterlee, complete with painted murals.
The Story is full of objects with stories you might be hearing for the first time.
Enjoy an exhibition
The Story’s first exhibition, ‘The Forgotten Battle’, runs until October.
In April 1942 members of the 2nd Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry were sent from the UK to ‘Destination X’.
Little did they know that their service in South-East Asia would later see them involved in one of the most severe and brutal conflicts of the Second World War.
The story of the Battle of Kohima and its legacy, highlights how the DLI connects the county with a far bigger story, spanning continents, decades, and generations.
Get married!
The Story is also home to the County Registration Service, so you can tie the knot in elegant surroundings in this Grade II-listed building.
There are three rooms for different-sized ceremonies, whether it’s a stripped-back approach with two witnesses or an altogether bigger occasion for up to 100 guests.
Visit www.durham.gov.uk/registeroffices to find out more.
Treat yourself to a cake and a cuppa
If you’re feeling all “story-ed” out you can retire to the venue’s café for a cake and a cuppa. The views and natural light are free.
For all you need to know about The Story, visit www.thestorydurham.org.
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