Auckland Castle is currently undergoing a multi-million pound conservation programme as part of The Auckland Project, an arts faith and heritage destination being created in Bishop Auckland. 

 

Working in partnership with The Auckland Project, this has provided the rare opportunity for multiple rescue excavations, standing buildings analysis and geophysical survey to be conducted at the site by Durham University’s commercial archaeology unit, Archaeological Services at Durham University (ASDU). These projects have uncovered previously unknown building remains, as well as helping to preserve, protect and better understand standing parts of the building. Parts of this work were funded by the Mick Aston legacy fund held by the Department of Archaeology at Durham University.

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The excavations taking place this year are the second year of a three-year project that builds on the work conducted by ASDU. The excavations adopt a research-oriented approach and target areas of known archaeological and historic activity. 

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The excavations are led by Professor Chris Gerrard and Dr Pam Graves from Durham University,  in partnership with The Auckland Project and ADSU . In addition, these excavations form the training excavations for all first-year students of Archaeology from Durham University, taking over from excavations that had been held at the Roman Fort of Binchester (Bishop Auckland).

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For more information about this project, please email Chris, Pam or Caroline. 

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Chris: (c.m.gerrard@durham.ac.uk),

Pam: (c.p.graves@durham.ac.uk)

Caroline (c.e.h.smith@durham.ac.uk) .

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For more information about The Auckland Project, please visit: www.aucklandcastle.org

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