I was given the opportunity to take photographs around the former Roman Catholic seminary at Ushaw that once served the whole of the North of England. The buildings and grounds that are part of this huge site are now being put to a number of uses, not least as one of the region’s newest cultural and historic visitor attractions.
The college was founded back in 1808 by scholars from the English College, Douai, who had fled from France following the French Revolution. In the late 1960’s, Ushaw College was affiliated with Durham University of Durham. However, in later years a decision was taken to close the seminary due to the shortage of vocations. Ushaw ceased being a seminary in 2011 and the buildings and grounds are now maintained by a charitable trust.
The college’s chapels and principal rooms, along with a tearoom in the college refectory, are open to the public Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 4pm. There is also a well stocked gift shop and beautiful gardens. Car parking at Ushaw is free.
