Some History
Briefly the abandoned Ushaw College, a former Catholic seminary was founded in 1808 by scholars from English College, Douai, who had fled France after that college had been closed during the French Revolution. Ushaw College had been affiliated with the University of Durham since 1968. The College became a Licensed Hall of Residence of the University of Durham in 1968. It was independent of the University but offered courses validated by the University, and both Church and lay students studied at the college. The Junior House closed in 1972, its younger students being transferred to St Joseph’s College, Upholland in Lancashire. Ushaw was the principal Roman Catholic seminary in the north of England for the training of Catholic priests; finally closing in 2011 due to the shortage of vocations.
Our Visit @Barloiw
Living only a short drive away from the college, this is one of our regular explorations. Everything changes so quickly within the grounds and building. It's worth a look about every once in a while, just to see what is different. Hopefully the Chapel and swimming pool with be accessible again soon.
Unfortunately the Seminary has been a victim of heavy vandalism and copper theft. A lot of floorboards have been lifted up, glass smashed for the fun of it and it's generally just a mess. Perhaps it's due to this disrespect of the building that the chapel and pool/gym are now closed off.
This is a large building with many surprises. Anyone thinking about a visit should consider going more than once. As it wasn't until our 3rd look around that we found the basement!
A few snaps
Briefly the abandoned Ushaw College, a former Catholic seminary was founded in 1808 by scholars from English College, Douai, who had fled France after that college had been closed during the French Revolution. Ushaw College had been affiliated with the University of Durham since 1968. The College became a Licensed Hall of Residence of the University of Durham in 1968. It was independent of the University but offered courses validated by the University, and both Church and lay students studied at the college. The Junior House closed in 1972, its younger students being transferred to St Joseph’s College, Upholland in Lancashire. Ushaw was the principal Roman Catholic seminary in the north of England for the training of Catholic priests; finally closing in 2011 due to the shortage of vocations.
Our Visit @Barloiw
Living only a short drive away from the college, this is one of our regular explorations. Everything changes so quickly within the grounds and building. It's worth a look about every once in a while, just to see what is different. Hopefully the Chapel and swimming pool with be accessible again soon.
Unfortunately the Seminary has been a victim of heavy vandalism and copper theft. A lot of floorboards have been lifted up, glass smashed for the fun of it and it's generally just a mess. Perhaps it's due to this disrespect of the building that the chapel and pool/gym are now closed off.
This is a large building with many surprises. Anyone thinking about a visit should consider going more than once. As it wasn't until our 3rd look around that we found the basement!
A few snaps
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