 auckland castle (also known as auckland palace or locally as the bishop's castle or bishop's palace) is a castle in the town of bishop auckland in county durham, england. the castle has been home to the prince bishops of durham. for more than 800 years. originally established as a hunting lodge for the prince bishops, auckland castle was the sole official residence of the bishops of durham from 1832 until july 2012, when the castle was transferred to the auckland castle trust, a charitable foundation whose aim is to begin a major restoration of the grounds and castle, and set up permanent exhibitions on the history of christianity in britain and the north east. auckland castle remains a working episcopal palace, being the official office of the bishop of durham. it is more like a gothic country house than a true castle with a military function. the castle's scotland wing presently serves as the administrative offices of the durham diocesan board of finance. the castle's long dining room is home to 12 of the 13 17th-century portraits of jacob and his 12 sons painted by francisco de zurbarÃ¡n. the room, in which they have hung for 250 years, was specifically designed and built for them. in 2001 the church commissioners voted to sell the paintings which have a Â£20m valuation, but relented until a review in 2010. on 31 march 2011 church commissioners announced that plans to sell off the paintings were shelved following a donation of Â£15 million from investment manager jonathan garnier ruffer, placing the paintings, along with the castle, in the care of the auckland castle trust. the castle i
Castles_in_County_Durham Country_houses_in_County_Durham English_Heritage_sites_in_County_Durham Episcopal_palaces_of_the_bishops_of_Durham Grade_I_listed_buildings_in_County_Durham Historic_house_museums_in_County_Durham