Nestled within the rolling hills and tree-filled landscape of Weardale, Bishop Auckland is an attractive market town with a rich collection of buildings dating from many centuries and an archaeological legacy spanning two millennia. This is a place shaped by the power of the bishops of Durham, who held their main residence at the splendid Auckland Castle, and by the fluctuating prospects of commerce and industry – all very much celebrated in the unique character of its buildings and open spaces. This book brings together recent research into the town’s archaeology, history and architecture. It tells the story of the establishment of the bishops’ palace strategically placed upon a hilltop plateau, and of the market place and settlement which grew alongside it to become a thriving industrial town. Now set to become an exciting visitor destination centred around the historic core, Bishop Auckland is ready to begin its next chapter and you are invited to explore and celebrate what makes this important town so special.