AFTER seven years of investigation by greater 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 on the Auckland Project, John Castling, said: “This set of digs has come to an end since it’s been a hit in answering the research query we set out to know at the beginning of the project back in 2017. . . ‘What did the bishop’s palace appear like before 1660?’”
There was roughly two years’ price of labor 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 on 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 stays of the partitions that after surrounded the Prince Bishop’s residence. One section stood greater than three metres tall, but was “completely buried”.
A possible tower that ignored Auckland Palace’s deer park has also been discovered, in addition to a garderobe — a medieval lavatory — positioned next to the Great Hall, “where bishops and their guests would have feasted”. Some of the objects recovered from the excavations are on display on the Auckland Project’s Faith Museum.
On previous digs, archaeologists discovered items akin to 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”, an announcement from the Auckland Project read.
Mr Castling said: “Each one that picks up a trowel here contributes not only to our understanding of the positioning, but additionally helps bring its history to life for future generations.”
Professor Chris Gerrard, of Durham University’s Department of Archaeology, said: “Auckland Palace will likely be, so far as we’re concerned, one among the best-understood bishop’s palaces in Western Europe, from an archaeological standpoint.”
