Welcome to my hometown, Bishop Auckland. I have lived here all my life, and was born in a little village called Etherley Dene, just about two miles West of the market place. Most of my mothers ancestors are from the North of England and ended up here in Bish! or Bishop!
( that's our local endearment of the place )
Bishop Auckland is an Ancient and historic market town and seat of the Bishop of Durham since the 12th century. The largest town in the Wear Valley. The River Wear runs alongside Bishop, from it's source in Wearhead, near the Cumbria border. Through areas of outstanding beauty, through delightful Dales Villages and on through historic sites, leaving the district to continue it's journey via Durham to the sea. Bishop is a lively town, with good shopping and a busy market,
(Thursday and Saturday)
There are a good choice of Cafes, lots of pubs and hotels. Leisure facilities, and events for all the family.
The French-Style Town Hall, is a grade 2 listed building, situated in the market place. It houses the library, conference and entertainment facilities, arts and exhibitions areas and a tourist information centre. Also in the market place is the Discovery Centre, showing regular local artwork and displays celebrating the history and architecture of Bishop Auckland.
Here's a good link to go see the history of the town hall
Auckland castle is near the Market place, standing in 800 acres of parkland which is open to the public. This castle has been home to many Prince Bishops.
A good link for more about the castle.
Wear valley has it's own council, which is to change in the near future. A link below for the council info. |
