THE head of the British Museum has strongly criticised the potential £15m sale of the Zurbaran paintings, saying they represent the Church of England’s historic campaign for religious tolerance.

Neil MacGregor said the 13 8ft-high pictures hanging in Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, are a “critical part”

of the nation’s history and pleaded with the Church Commissioners to reconsider selling them.

The paintings were created by Francisco de Zurbaran in the 1640s and depict Jacob and his 12 sons.

They were installed at the castle, which has been home to the Bishop of Durham for more than 800 years, in 1756 by Bishop Trevor to show his support for the 1753 Jewish Naturalisation Bill.

The bill would allow Jews to become British citizens without converting to Christianity.

The bill, which was supported by the Anglican Church, was passed, but repealed six months later after demonstrations and protests by anti-Semitic groups.

In an interview in The Times on Saturday, Mr Mac- Gregor said the paintings symbolised a vital part of Britain’s history and the fight for tolerance.

He said: “They are a monument in the story of how we got to be a tolerant, multifaith society, which is the basis of the society we are trying to build today.

“There are no pictures that speak so powerfully of the Anglican Church’s commitment to society beyond the confines of the Church and its members.

“So when the church commissioners consider selling these, what they are selling is not an asset like any other – it is a critical part of the history of the Church of England, and indeed of our whole country.”

The Church Commissioners plan to sell the paintings at auction in the summer, despite the protests.

A spokesman said they will continue to talk to a working group, which is headed by the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, which is hoping to keep the paintings at the castle.

The future of Auckland Castle, which could also be sold if the Church Commissioners decide against using it as the home for the next bishop, is still being discussed, with a decision due in a few months.

The spokesman said: “The Church Commissioners, as trustees of the Church’s historic assets, have a duty to ensure they optimise their benefit to today’s and tomorrow’s Church.”