MY wife and I attended a talk where the speaker mentioned Beaurepaire, referring to the historic ruins of the Prior of Durham “holiday home”, situated just outside Durham near Bearpark.
He said that since Durham City Council was abolished, the county council had disowned this site but a small team of volunteers was now trying to restore some order to the place.
We took a walk out to see what was happening as we had seen this site since it had its upkeep was controlled by the city council.
What a shock! It cannot now be seen from the footpath, overgrown as it is with trees, weeds and brambles.
We clambered up through this wilderness to find two commendable volunteers and a young archaeologist from an organisation called Dream Community Charity. Its aim is to create a lasting legacy, creating community facilities and spaces out of unloved historic sites.
They have a mammoth task in front of them but have achieved much in a short time. If you would like to help, they can be contacted at dreamcharitycommunity@gmail.com
More importantly, what a chance our county council has missed in the opportunity of making a historic route to include the cathedral, Finchale Abbey and Beaurepaire to bring more of Durham’s heritage to its people.
What a shame Jonathan Ruffer chose Bishop Auckland instead of Durham. It needs a white knight.
Paul Jefferson, Durham City
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