AFTER seven years of investigation by more than 1000 “volunteers, students, and aspiring archaeologists of all ages”, the Department of Archaeology at Durham University and the Auckland Project are concluding their research into the grounds of Auckland Palace.
The Archaeology Curator at the Auckland Project, John Castling, said: “This set of digs has come to an end because it’s been a success in answering the research question we set out to understand at the start of the project back in 2017. . . ‘What did the bishop’s palace look like before 1660?’”
There was approximately two years’ worth of work still to do, analysing the finds and publishing a report, he said. “The Durham University student excavations will go elsewhere, but we may occasionally do some small-scale excavations when minor changes at the palace allow us: there are still secrets to uncover in some places.”
Last month, an excavation investigating an area north of the palace uncovered remains of the walls that once surrounded the Prince Bishop’s residence. One section stood more than three metres tall, but was “completely buried”.
A possible tower that overlooked Auckland Palace’s deer park has also been discovered, as well as a garderobe — a medieval lavatory — located next to the Great Hall, “where bishops and their guests would have feasted”. Some of the objects recovered from the excavations are on display at the Auckland Project’s Faith Museum.
On previous digs, archaeologists discovered items such as a gold flower decoration, elephant ivory, intricate wine glasses, and a rare jet dice, “amongst other artefacts that tell the story of Auckland Palace’s vast wealth, power and influence across the region”, a statement from the Auckland Project read.
Mr Castling said: “Each person who picks up a trowel here contributes not only to our understanding of the site, but also helps bring its history to life for future generations.”
Professor Chris Gerrard, of Durham University’s Department of Archaeology, said: “Auckland Palace will be, as far as we are concerned, one of the best-understood bishop’s palaces in Western Europe, from an archaeological point of view.”