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Bishop Auckland’s Christian Heritage

Claire McCollum visits The Auckland Project to explore the important role faith has played in the regeneration of one of County Durham’s great Christian landmarks.

Claire McCollum visits The Auckland Project in County Durham to explore the important role faith has played in the regeneration of Bishop Auckland’s historic palace and grounds, a residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham since the 12th century. And she meets the founder of the project, Jonathan Ruffer, who shares how a moment of quiet prayer led him to begin the dramatic transformation work.

Claire also visits a brand new attraction to the site, The Faith Museum, and meets senior curator Amina Wright, who reveals some remarkable treasures spanning 6,000 years of religious history, including a ring discovered at a nearby Roman fort which points to some of the earliest Christian worship in Britain.

Additionally, we join a group of pilgrims as they enjoy a new route, which goes through Bishop Auckland. Keith Taylor, who leads the group, explains how the route is connected to one of the most famous Christian pilgrimages in the world, the Camino de Santiago in Spain, and reflects on the significance of pilgrimage to Christians.

There’s a great selection of hymns and music from the north east of England and beyond, including a stunning performance from Katherine Jenkins at Rievaulx Abbey in north Yorkshire:

1. Rejoice the Lord Is King - St George's Church, Jesmond
2. O Worship the Lord in the Beauty of His Holiness - St Martin’s Church, Stamford
3. Here I Am to Worship - Gas Street Church, Birmingham
4. Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending - Kendal Parish Church
5. A Gaelic Blessing - Katherine Jenkins
6. One More Step Along the World I Go - The Albert Hall, Nottingham
7. All My Hope on God Is Founded - St Andrew's Church, Corbridge

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34 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Claire McCollum
Producer Emmett Glynn
Series Producer David Waters
Executive Producer Barry Hart
Production Company CTVC

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