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You are here > Home > What's On > Archaeology ‘Open Lab’ - an Auckland Project Exhibition

Archaeology ‘Open Lab’ - an Auckland Project Exhibition

The Hearth (formerly Mrs M's)
1 Market Place
Bishop Auckland
County Durham
DL14 7NJ

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Add Archaeology ‘Open Lab’ - an Auckland Project Exhibition to your Itinerary

Dr John Castling and Professor Christopher Gerrard with archaeology students and volunteers - Credit Stuart Boulton
  • Dr John Castling and Professor Christopher Gerrard with archaeology students and volunteers - Credit Stuart Boulton
  • Bishop Auckland_s Open Lab - Credit Stuart Boulton
  • Bishop Auckland's Open Lab - Credit Stuart Boulton

About

Archaeologists uncovering the hidden history of Auckland Palace are inviting the public behind the scenes as historic finds from eight years of excavations are analysed in a new ‘open laboratory’ in Bishop Auckland town centre.

After the trowels are put down, the archaeological work continues in the post-excavation’ phase. This work involves looking in detail at all the objects we dug up. We weight, count, catalogue and describe everything that we found so that we can understand even more about how the Bishops’ Palace was used. Normally this work happens in laboratories behind closed doors, but we’ve decided to bring these objects back to Bishop Auckland and work public view here in our ‘open lab’.

On Fridays we’ll be working, and you’re welcome to look in and see what we’re doing. At the end of each Friday between 3.30pm and 4.30pm we’ll be opening the door to invite you in to see up-close what we’ve been working on, and to handle some of the objects that have been uncovered. Check out our Facebook pages (search ‘Hearth – Bishop Auckland) to see updates on our progress. 

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Opening Times

2026 (16 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026)
DayTimes
Friday15:30 - 16:30

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Highlights...

Auckland Palace exterior with lawn area to foregroundThe Auckland Project, Bishop AucklandThe Auckland Project is unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens and parkland in Bishop Auckland, at the heart of County Durham.

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