The Story celebrates a year of heritage, history and milestones
Tony Henderson reports on celebrations for the first chapter in the story of a North East heritage attraction.
A culture and heritage venue is marking its first year – which has been something of a cakewalk.
The Story, near Durham City, has attracted 122,000 visitors since opening on 14 June last year – with its café serving them 14,500 cakes and scones and 21,000 coffees.
Located in the restored and extended listed Mount Oswald House, the Durham County Council venue is a gateway to the history of County Durham and its people.
It brings together five historic collections, including six miles of archives charting 900 years of County Durham’s history and the entire Durham Light Infantry Collection and Archive.
The Story has also involved 1,672 children in the county’s past through school sessions, workshops and its weekly Small Stories group – in addition to the thousands of children who have visited with their families.
The collections team has overseen the viewing of more than 5,000 historic documents and objects, with thousands more viewed digitally via The Story’s enhanced online search facility.
The Story is also the home of the County Registration Service and, over the last year, 708 couples have married in its ceremony rooms. More than 2,100 notices of marriage or civil partnership have been granted and 2,277 births have been registered.
Volunteers are key to The Story’s success, providing support with learning activities, research and events. To date, 57 volunteers have contributed more than 3,500 hours.
Cllr Lyndsey Fox, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “The Story may be the gateway to County Durham’s past, but the last year has demonstrated its important role in our present and future too.
“Its facilities and exhibitions are empowering people to discover more about their personal histories and connect with our region’s heritage in new and exciting ways.
“Special events and outreach activities are bringing people together, while the café has become a popular choice for locals to catch up over coffee and a cake. And, as the home of the County Registration Service, it’s a place where milestones are being made and celebrated.”
“I’m delighted The Story has enjoyed such a successful year and I would like to thank the staff and volunteers for their hard work. I know the team has some amazing plans in store for the future so this really is just the start.”
Landmark moments over the last year have included:
A visit by the family of Newcastle-born Private Adam Wakenshaw, VC, to see the Second World War anti-tank gun on which he sacrificed his life, on display in The Story’s permanent exhibition space. He served in the 9th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry.
A temporary exhibition about children from County Durham’s past, present and future, curated by Durham Youth Council, which opened in October 2024.
A temporary exhibition called The Forgotten Battle, exploring the 1944 Battle of Kohima which halted the Japanese attempts to invade India from Burma.
The 2nd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry was part of the 'Forgotten Army’ who fought against the Japanese in India and Burma. It was the only Durham battalion which fought in the Burma Campaign and took part in the savage battle at Kohima.
The Adam Wakenshaw gun is on permanent display The return of medals awarded to one of County Durham’s First World War heroes, Colonel Sir Thomas Bradford, after they were secured at auction by the Trustees of the Durham Light Infantry.
An illuminated trail featuring light installations, projections and a fire garden around The Story’s grounds.
A sold-out talk by author Terry Deary about his first history book for adults, A History of Britain in Ten Enemies.
The Story’s latest temporary exhibition, All Change! The Social Impact of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in the 200 Years Since 1825, which runs until January 2026.
The Story is open every day and entry is free. To stay up to date with the latest news and events, visit www.thestorydurham.org