Castle and campus strengthen historic ties

A new agreement is set to strengthen ties between a leading North East university and one of the region’s most historic landmarks.

Durham University and Raby Castle have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that formalises nearly a decade of collaboration, bringing research to life through heritage, environment and community-focused projects.

The partnership is already delivering impact through student placements, which provide hands-on experience while supporting Raby’s curatorial and conservation work. 

Researchers are also working with the estate on projects ranging from ecological modelling and archaeology to energy innovation.

Lord Barnard, Custodian of Raby Castle, said: “I am delighted to have agreed this MoU with our friends at Durham University.  

“Our strong ties provide opportunities for academics and students to explore how our landscapes, buildings, collections and heritage can engage and benefit current and future generations.”  

Professor Karen O’Brien, vice-chancellor of Durham University, added: “This Memorandum of Understanding cements a deep and valued relationship between Durham University and Raby Castle.

“It reflects our shared commitment to learning, sustainability and community engagement. 

“Together, we will continue to advance innovative research and share our discoveries to ensure that our heritage continues to inspire and inform generations to come.”

Two of Durham University’s flagship research programmes underpin the collaboration. 

Smart Soils is advancing net-zero farming practices with Raby as a key partner, while Heritage 360 uses the estate as a ‘living laboratory’ for cultural and natural heritage study.

A centrepiece of the relationship is the extensive, internationally significant Raby archive. 

It offers exceptional material on the late 17th and 18th centuries, including recipe collections, estate records and a remarkable set of medieval seals from the Vane estates in Shropshire, which have inspired collaborative exhibitions and community programmes, including the Raby Redcurrant initiative, which explored the castle’s horticultural heritage through science, history and food.

Professor Giles Gasper, deputy executive dean (Research) in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Durham University, added: “Our collaboration with Raby Castle and Estate is of longstanding and rich with future possibilities.  

“The privilege of being able to work across archives, collections and estates, and with Raby colleagues, brings rare and special opportunities to develop research projects together.  

“The interdisciplinary and inter-sector possibilities are exciting, and we’re looking forward to working in partnership to raise the profile of our collaborations.” 

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