About the Author
Bishop Auckland is my home. I was born and bred here, and had the great advantage of a father - with an enquiring mind and a wonderful memory - who was born here at the turn of the twentieth century and who was a storehouse of knowledge about the town. My research began with him. I then had to set it in a framework of historical investigation which taught me how little had been written about the town.
The more local and intensive historical research is, the more valuable it is. Bishop Auckland history is different from the history of any other town, and should be celebrated.
And it should also be recorded. The true history of a place is carried in the minds and hearts of those who lived there. This shared and hidden history is treasure which is so easily allowed to slip away unrecorded. Most of my work has been based on conversations with many local people. I have set up this website so that this recording process can continue on a wider scale.
Its success depends on you. What seem insignificant memories are often fascinating for other people. Please read other people's, then add your own.
Barbara Laurie is passionate about Bishop Auckland and its history. As a local author and historian; Bishop Auckland Palace guide and District Councillor Barbara keeps the history of Bishop Auckland alive in the hearts of many visitors to the area.