MEMORIES APPEAL INSPIRED BY BUTLER Tuesday, 2 May 2017
Auckland Castle Trust is now seeking memories from anyone who worked at Auckland Castle or has heard stories directly from someone who did.
The appeal, launched by the Trust’s Curatorial Team, has been inspired by the discovery of memoirs by Ernest Alexander, who started working at the Castle in 1904 and served as Butler from 1912 until his retirement in 1958.
In it, he writes about life behind the scenes of the private residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham, including his role looking after the wine cellar, laying the table and planning lavish parties, as well as the changes he witnessed serving five Prince Bishops over 53 years.
The Trust is now keen to hear from anyone who knew Ernest, worked at Auckland Castle or was told stories by a friend or relative who worked there during the past 100 years, including all household staff, gardeners, tradesmen and contractors.
The charity is also interested in speaking to anyone who attended a private party at the Castle prior to 2010.
These stories, which all add to the personal history of the palace, will be gathered for posterity and some may even feature in the restored Castle when it reopens to the public in 2019.
Memories can be submitted via email [email protected] or by calling 01388 743750, leaving your name, a brief summary of the story and, if possible, related photographs by Friday 12 May 2017.