The Henson Journals

Auckland Castle

Auckland Castle (also known as Auckland Palace) is a fortified manor house in what is now Bishop Auckland, originally built for the prince-bishop as a hunting lodge and first used by Hugh de le Puiset, bishop 1154-95. It was enhanced by successive bishops, notably John Cosin who in 1665, following destruction of the original chapel during the Commonwealth, converted the banqueting hall into the magnificent St Peter's Chapel. On becoming bishop, Henson was concerned that he would be unable to meet the expenses of the castle; however, he later wrote that he and Ella never regretted their decision to live there, 'for though our household was modest in scale, and, by comparison with the past, our hospitality was meagre, yet the first was sufficient, and the last was greatly appreciated': Retrospect, II, 67.

Journal references: 30