Durham Dales
Wed 08th Sep 2010
Bishop Auckland
Bishop Auckland, the gateway to Weardale, is a busy market town in South West Durham. The town stands high above a meander in the River Wear, commanding spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
If you are interested in history, Bishop Auckland has it all. The main street, Newgate Street, follows the Roman road, Dere Street. A mile from the town are the remains of Binchester Roman Fort, and at Escomb we have one of the finest examples of early Christian architecture in Northern Europe in the restored 7th Century Escomb Saxon Church.
In Bishop Auckland’s historic Market Place, is the Town Hall, a superb, refurbished library and arts complex. Also just off the Market Place, in North Bondgate, is the Discovery Centre, an exhibition and events space open to the public.
And of course there is the magnificent Auckland Castle, the official country residence of the Prince Bishops for centurys and still the official home of the Bishop of Durham. Surrounding the Castle is the Bishop's Deer Park.
On Newgate Street once stood the Eden Theatre, managed for several years by Arthur Jefferson, the father of Stan Laurel. Stan was baptised in St. Peters Church and went to school at King James I Grammar School.
But, if your interest is shopping, you will not be disappointed. Bishop Auckland has over 200 shops and over 50 cafes, restaurants take-aways and pubs. Venture to the south end of Newgate Street or into Fore Bondgate for specialist shops you just won’t find on most high streets.
Bishop Auckland, County Durham’s Best Kept Secret!
