History hub has 'key role in present and future'
Durham County CouncilMore than 120,000 people have visited a history centre in its first year of operation.
The Story, in the restored Grade II listed Mount Oswald Manor House on the outskirts of Durham city, houses the county's archives going back nine centuries.
The hub has a permanent, interactive exhibition space telling the story of the county and its people as well as being a venue for weddings and civil partnerships.
Councillor Lyndsey Fox, 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."
The oldest document in the collection dates from 1122 and is a deed of land transfer from the Bishop of Durham.
'Just the start'
The centre also houses 15,000 objects from the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) following the closure of a dedicated museum in 2016.
The collection includes the medals awarded to four brothers, thought to be one of the most-decorated families of World War One.
Since 14 June last year, more than 2,000 births have been registered at the facility with more than 2,100 notices of marriage or civil partnership granted.
Fox added: "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 future so this really is just the start.
"It's state-of-the-art 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."
Mount Oswald was built in the early 19th Century and was most recently used as a golf club before planning permission for The Story was granted in 2020.