Auckland Castle Chapel
Overview
Grid reference: NZ 213 302
St Peter’s Chapel is the Grade I listed private chapel of the Bishop of Durham and part of the ecclesiastical palace complex of Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland. As the earliest surviving structure above ground at Auckland Castle, St Peter’s Chapel was originally built and served as a Great Hall, set north of a grand entrance court.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Description of Archaeology and History
Begun in the 1190s by Bishop Hugh du Puiset, building work was completed under Bishops Richard Marsh (Bishop of Durham 1217-1226) and Richard Poore (Bishop of Durham 1229-1237) in the early 13th century. Believed to be the first stone-aisled hall in the Diocese of Durham, it was intended to rival some of the most important buildings in the country, including the palace of the Archbishop of York and royal palaces. Following ill-treatment during the English Civil War, John Cosin (Bishop of Durham 1660-1672) converted the medieval Great Hall into a chapel between 1661 and 1665, consecrated on St Peter’s Day, 29 June 1665.
Under Shute Barrington (Bishop of Durham 1791 – 1826), a sequence of major Gothic alterations were carried out across the estate with the architect James Wyatt.
Under Bishop Van Mildert (1826-1836) in the 1820s, the aisles of the Chapel were raised, the marble floor replaced with sandstone and some of the woodwork above the stalls on the walls was removed.
Bishop Lightfoot (1879-1889) added the magnificent stained-glass windows, the sculpted angels, theFlemish reredos and retable decorated with imagery of the Instruments of the Passion.
During the later decades of the 20th century, the Chapel underwent two significant programmes of repair.
Exterior Description
Through its spectacular structure and historic fabric, St Peter’s Chapel charts over eight centuries of changes in architectural design. Successive Bishops of Durham have made their mark on St Peter’s Chapel, including some of the most influential theologians and churchmen in British history, just as they made their mark on the history and faith of Britain.
Interior
Interior Description
In addition to the significant aisled form of the Chapel, the decorative masonry dating from its earliest periods, between 1190 and c. 1237, are amongst the finest examples in the region of Early English Gothic carving. The capital carvings on the piers and horizontal string mouldings become more elaborate as they progress toward the west end, where the Bishop’s dais or high table would have sat. The capitals culminate in a set of two corbels carved with pairs of heads, one pair wear mitres and the other crowns, perhaps indicating the unique status of the Palatinate of Durham and the Bishop of Durham’s close relationship with the Monarchy. The section of blind trefoil-headed arcading on the west elevation, suggestive of a row of sunken niches or stalls, may be stylistically dated to the early 13th century, the period during which the great Gothic cathedrals of England where being built, including Salisbury and Peterborough, where similar examples can be found.
Churchyard
Grid reference: NZ 213 302
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | No |
| Solar Thermal Panels | No |
| Biomass | No |
| Wind Turbine | No |
| Air Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ev Charging | No |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
Quinquennial Inspections
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