Auckland Castle: It used to be that the power of the Prince Bishops of Durham was second only to the English monarchy. Commissioned to defend that monarchy, the Bishops were placed strategically close to the border between England and Scotland – who weren’t always on the best of terms – so they needed a home to match their status.
These men were so powerful that they could raise their own armies and mint their own coins. It’s no surprise then that they enjoyed Auckland Castle and its lush surroundings as their countryside estate, when the pressures of London, York and Durham became too much. While their role has changed with the passage of time, the Bishop of Durham still has influence throughout the modern world.
Durham Castle was huge, and when when they moved to Auckland Castle it was huger still. So what did the prince bishops originally need these facilities for – no children? clerics? church administrators? military administrators? trainees? Even the gardens were/are spectacular.
This link gives more detailed information about the Castle and seat of power:
http://www.castlesfortsbattles.co.uk/north_east/auckland_castle.html
Raise their own armies and mint their own coins – wow!
It is an amazing history insight