Welcome to Fore Bondgate: the heart of Bishop Auckland.

Fore Bondgate is one of the oldest streets in Bishop Auckland, dating back to the middle of the 13th century.

Discover what Fore Bondgate has to offer today by visiting the Street Directory

Sam Zair at his shop in Bishop Auckland, 1950s.
The Bay Horse, Fore Bondgate, Bishop Auckland

Fore Bondgate

Fore Bondgate is one of the oldest streets in Bishop Auckland, dating back to the middle of the 13th century. The Bay Horse, a pub at the western end of the street, began its history as an inn and stables that were present in 1530, making it one of the oldest pubs in England. Discover what Fore Bondgate has to offer today by visiting the Street Directory where you can see Fore Bondgate’s variety of shops, cafés, pubs, restaurants, bookshops, art galleries, and other businesses and services.

Street Directory

Click here to view all of Fore Bondgate’s shops, cafés, pubs, restaurants, bookshops, art galleries, and other businesses and services.

History of Fore Bondgate

Fore Bondgate’s history can be traced back to 1243. Bishop Auckland is an ancient and historic settlement which lies on a former Roman road. The town became important in the 12th century, as one of the principal residences of the bishops of Durham. Fore Bondgate was initially a green, surrounded by buildings, which gradually developed into a street, similar in layout to the modern Fore Bondgate. Read more about the history of Fore Bondgate here.