Claire McCollum explores the intersection of faith and regeneration in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, a place with a rich religious history. In this episode, she looks at the story of The Auckland Project, a regeneration initiative that has transformed the town’s historic palace and grounds, which were once the residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham.
McCollum meets the founder of The Auckland Project, Jonathan Ruffer, who reveals how a moment of quiet prayer inspired him to embark on this ambitious transformation journey. The episode also features a brand-new attraction, The Faith Museum, the first of its kind in the UK. Senior curator Amina Wright showcases remarkable artefacts spanning 6,000 years of religious history, including a ring discovered at a nearby Roman fort, offering a glimpse into early Christian worship in Britain.
The show joins a group of pilgrims as they embark on a unique route through Bishop Auckland, led by Keith Taylor. This pilgrimage path is connected to the famous Camino de Santiago in Spain, and Taylor reflects on the significance of such journeys for Christians.
The episode also treats viewers to a selection of hymns and music from the north-east of England and beyond. This includes a stunning performance by Katherine Jenkins at Rievaulx Abbey in North Yorkshire. The hymns featured in this episode are:
1. Rejoice the Lord Is King – St George’s Church, Jesmond
2. O Worship the Lord in the Beauty of His Holiness – St Martin’s Church, Stamford
3. Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending – Kendal Parish Church
4. Here I Am to Worship – Gas Street Church, Birmingham
5. A Gaelic Blessing – Katherine Jenkins
6. One More Step Along the World I Go – The Albert Hall, Nottingham
7. All My Hope on God Is Founded – St Andrew’s Church, Corbridge
Songs of Praise: Bishop Auckland’s Christian Heritage airs on BBC One on Sunday, 18 August 2024, at 1:15 pm.
