Visitors may find Auckland Castle’s latest crowd-pleaser a bit of a swine. But despite its piggish reputation, it’s an attraction that’s set to hog the limelight.
The addition to the castle’s growing list of visitor friendly exhibits is a larger than life boar sculpture that’s taken up residence in Auckland Castle’s 151 acre medieval Deer Park.
The work has been specially commissioned by the Auckland Castle Trust in honour of the property’s furry mascot, Bosley Boar, whose ancestor is said to have been an enormous and ferocious wild pig that terrorised the area in the Middle Ages.
The story goes that the then Bishop of Durham – who lived like a prince in his palace at Auckland Castle – offered a huge reward to anyone who could kill the beast. Many tried but all were gored to death. But a young knight by the name of Richard Pollard succeeded through guile and ingenuity where others had failed. He slew the monster and cut out its tongue as a keepsake.
The curly tailed story of Pollard’s Brawn, or boar, is now the stuff of local legend. But it is hoped the yarn will live on for a new generation with the unveiling of Auckland Castle’s new sculpture.
Made from galvanised wire, it is the work of celebrated North Yorkshire-based sculptor Emma Stothard. Her remarkable animal and human likenesses have found homes in many well-known locations, including Highgrove House where a large scale sculpture of HRH Prince of Wales’ beloved Jack Russell dog, Tigga, made from willow grown on the Gloucestershire estate, stands in the garden. Grace English, Auckland Castle’s Education and Outreach Officer said, “We’re thrilled that Auckland Castle is now home to one of Emma’s amazing pieces.
“It’s a fitting and very expressive way to celebrate a great Bishop Auckland legend and immortalise our own Bosley Boar.
“Because it’s made of brushed galvanised wire children can climb over and sit on the sculpture. We hope it will become a much loved addition to our beautiful Deer Park and encourage visitors to get out and explore the area.”
Emma added, “It’s been a privilege to have worked on this project with the Auckland Castle team. It’s been a fantastic opportunity to bring the legend of Pollard’s Boar to life through my sculpture.
“I hope it will bring much enjoyment to all who discover him in his glade.”
Auckland Castle’s new boar has been given a permanent home in the outer park. But its exact location is being kept a secret.
“We are deliberately not telling visitors exactly where the sculpture is other than in a glade as we hope they will be inspired to hunt him out,” Grace says.
“We want people to follow in Pollard’s footsteps and set out on their own adventure to track the boar down.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
