A RARE insight into the luxurious dining habits of the Prince Bishops of Durham has been unearthed at Auckland Castle.

The remains of two centuries old glasshouses used for growing pineapples have been found at the medieval Grade I-listed fortress in Bishop Auckland.

They date back to 1757, which would make them amongst the oldest known hothouses of their kind in the North.

The discovery was made during an archaeological survey of the castle’s derelict 300-year-old walled garden ahead of a major project to restore the two-acre site.

Historic environment, research and interpretation archaeologist Harry Beamish said: “While only the cut stone bases and back walls of the original glasshouses survive, even their existence is interesting and reflects the status of Auckland Castle and the wealth and aspirations of the bishops.”

From the 1720s, pineapples became the ultimate status symbol, due to the expense and ingenuity needed to grow the tropical fruit in Britain.

Such was the pineapples rarity that a single one could sell for up to £5,000 in the 18th century.

While there is no evidence of pineapples having been grown at Auckland Castle beyond the mid-19th century greenhouses in one form or another have continued to exist on the same spot.

It was only in 2010 that commercial growing came to an end in the walled garden.

Mr Beamish hopes to now delve deeper into the walled garden’s secrets and wants to enlist the help of local history volunteers to dig up the site’s past.

As well as investigating and recording the archaeology, there will be the chance to help with survey work and even explore old documents to put the features and finds into their correct historical context.

To volunteer call Sam Fletcher on 01388-743750 or email: Samantha.fletcher@aucklandcastle.org