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Bishop Auckland

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Tourist Information:-
Market Place, Bishop Auckland. Tel: 01388 602922

In the 11th century, it was Alclit (cliff on the Clyde). The river here is not the Clyde, of course, but the Gaunless (meaning "serving no useful purpose whatsoever") so it seems the name was borrowed to raise the esteem of a an insignificant village which eventually became associated with the Bishops of Durham who have had residence here from the 12th century.
Bishop Auckland is an ancient and historic market town situated in the County Durham since the 12th century. This largest town in the Wear Valley enjoys good shopping and busy markets, good choice of cafes, pubs and hotels and many leisure facilities.

The tourist attraction is Auckland Castle, located near the Market Place and surrounded by 800 acres of parkland which is open to the public. Other tourist attraction is Binchester Roman Fort. Known to the Romans as Vinovia, Binchester fort was built about AD 80. Today you can follow the footsteps of Roman legionaries and walk alongside the original cobbled surface of Dere Street.