Norman Notables: the rise of the Prince Bishops

Norman Notables: the rise of the Prince Bishops

This exhibition introduces the emergence of the Prince Bishops of Durham during the Norman period.

It presents the concept of the Prince Bishops, offering historical context on how the Bishops of Durham gain their unique status and how they use their power and influence at both local and national levels. The exhibition highlights several key figures from this period, including Æthelwine, Walcher, William of St Calais, and Ranulph Flambard.

It also provides an introduction to Auckland Palace, one of the principal residences of the Bishops of Durham from the eleventh to the twenty-first century. For the first time, the exhibition presents the results of recent archaeological excavations at Auckland Palace, which transform understanding of the site’s structure and use in the eleventh and twelfth centuries.

This project forms part of” Normans in the North”, a collaborative programme involving four cultural institutions in North-East England: Durham Castle, Durham Cathedral, The Auckland Project, Newcastle Castle and Blackfriars Restaurant. Together, they offer three exhibitions and a visitor experience dedicated to the history and legacy of the Normans in the region.

Practical information

Free of charge

Enquiries: enquiries@aucklandproject.org