New partnership brings Durham University research to life at Raby Castle

Lord Barnard of Raby Castle and Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, sign the MoU in the Dining Room at Raby Castle, built by William Burn in the 1840s. 

Durham University and Raby Castle have formalised their already productive collaboration, connecting world-class research with one of the North East’s most iconic heritage sites. 

The institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which builds on almost a decade of close work between the Raby Estate and the University. 

It reflects a shared ambition to combine cutting-edge research with real-world impact in heritage, environment, energy, and community engagement. 

The collaboration has been shaped by longstanding academic and curatorial relationships. 

Durham students already undertake work placements at Raby, giving them invaluable experience to boost their employability, while Raby benefits from their expertise. 

The students often work on initiatives that engage with the community, reflecting a shared commitment to making research more accessible and inclusive. 

Durham researchers work with Raby staff on projects that draw from the rich archive material and the topography of the historic estate. 

The partnership is underpinned by two of Durham University’s flagship Strategic Research Fund programmes: Smart Soils and Heritage 360. 

Through Smart Soils, Raby is a key partner in advancing practical approaches to achieving Net Zero within the agricultural sector.  

Meanwhile, Heritage 360 positions the estate as a ‘living laboratory’ for natural and cultural heritage research.  

This includes ecological modelling and archaeological investigation, to the conservation of buildings, landscapes, and collections at the Raby Estate. 

The partnership also has strong links to the University’s Durham Energy Institute, with exciting potential for exploring geothermal heat sourcing from the estate’s former lead mines.  

A centrepiece of the relationship is the extensive, internationally significant Raby archive. 

It offers exceptional material on the late 17th and 18th centuries, including recipe collections, estate records, and a remarkable set of medieval seals from the Vane estates in Shropshire.  

Engagement and outreach are central to the Raby-Durham partnership.  

This includes collaborative exhibitions at Durham University’s Oriental Museum and co-created events such as the popular Raby Redcurrant programme. 

The Raby Redcurrant initiative exemplifies the partnership’s blend of science, history, and community.  

It involved Durham researchers and Raby staff tracing the origins of the famous redcurrant to Raby Castle, working with local gardeners, historical food specialists and scientists.  

Manuscript recipes from Raby’s archive were transcribed and analysed by Durham postgraduate students, then brought to life through projects such as the Eat Medieval series and the Raby Redcurrant Day School. 

Lord Barnard, Custodian of Raby Castle, said: “I am delighted to have agreed this MoU with our friends at Durham University.  

“Our strong ties provide opportunities for academics and students to explore how our landscapes, buildings, collections and heritage can engage and benefit current and future generations.”  

Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, said: “This Memorandum of Understanding cements a deep and valued relationship between Durham University and Raby Castle.

“It reflects our shared commitment to learning, sustainability, and community engagement. 

“Together, we will continue to advance innovative research and share our discoveries to ensure that our heritage continues to inspire and inform generations to come.”

Professor Giles Gasper, Deputy Executive Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Durham University, added: “Our collaboration with Raby Castle and Estate is of longstanding and rich with future possibilities.  

“The privilege of being able to work across archives, collections, and estates, and with Raby colleagues, brings rare and special opportunities to develop research projects together.  

“The interdisciplinary and inter-sector possibilities are exciting, and we're looking forward to working in partnership to raise the profile of our collaborations.”