A historic landmark in a County Durham town is to be renamed to honour its heritage.
Auckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland, has been renamed Auckland Palace to reflect its history as the palatial seat of Prince Bishops.
The decision to make the name change also reflects the palace’s significant restoration and the recent opening of the Faith Museum, which explores how religion has shaped lives and communities across Britain.
A cornerstone of The Auckland Project, the charity that cares for the site, a spokesperson said the move is a return to the old as Auckland Palace is a more accurate reflection of the site’s history and historic purpose.
Throughout its 900-year history, the site has evolved from a fortified castle in the medieval period, to a grand palace in the 18th century. In fact, reports of its palatial status and of the name Auckland Palace go back to the 1800s.
The name change also reflects the recent work at the site, including the recently restored gardens and major conservation work carried out between 2016 and 2019.
The site is managed by the Auckland Project which operates a number of other heritage attractions, galleries, and gardens in Bishop Auckland.
Introducing the name change, Clare Baron, senior curator and head of exhibitions at the Auckland Project said that “where once this was a palace just for the Prince Bishops, now it’s a palace for the people”.
She added it is “a place where everyone can come and discover the past and be inspired for the future”.
The Auckland Project aims to fuel long-term social and economic change through arts, culture, and heritage, working directly with the community in order to deliver both formal and informal training for adults and young people.
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Edward Perry, CEO of The Auckland Project, said: “We’re immensely proud that this magnificent site will finally be known as Auckland Palace, and we are excited for more people to discover the role that Auckland Palace has played in Britain’s history.
"Where once this was a palace just for the Prince Bishops, now everyone can come to explore the magnificent rooms, wander through the gardens, admire art or attend an event. Who knows what the next 900 years will have in store?”
To find out more information about the Auckland Project, visit www.aucklandproject.org
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