A BIT MORE HISTORY

From http://www.visitsunderland.com website

History

From its earliest foundations in Anglo-Saxon times, Sunderland has grown and prospered on the banks of the River Wear. The city's history and culture were formed by its connection to the sea and by the industry and endeavour of its people.

The city's emergence as a focus for learning and industry began in Anglo-Saxon times, when the nobleman Benedict Biscop - recently named as Sunderland's patron saint - established a European centre of learning at the twin monastic settlement of St Peter's and St Paul's. It was here that the Venerable Bede wrote the first history of England, the art of glass-making was introduced to the UK, and where the renowned Saxon Bible, the Codex Amiatinus, was produced. By the year 1500, Sunderland was one of the wealthiest towns in England and to this day it is still the largest city by population between Leeds and Edinburgh.

St. Peter's Church - Candidate World Heritage Site 2011

The Anglo-Saxon church of St Peter's at Monkwearmouth is one of the UK's first stone built churches. Built in 674AD, the tower and west wall are original Saxon features and the church also has on display fragments of the oldest stained glass in the country, made by 7th Century European craftsmen.

St Peter's Church in Sunderland and St Paul's Church in Jarrow  are part of the twin Anglo-Saxon monastery of Wearmouth-Jarrow, which will be the UK’s nomination for World Heritage Site status in 2011.

The 7^th-century creation of Benedict Biscop, a Northumbrian nobleman inspired by 6 journeys across Europe to Rome, it became one of the most influential institutions in the western world, contributing to learning, creativity and culture. The twin monastery was centred on St Peter’s Church, Wearmouth, in Sunderland and St Paul’s Church, Jarrow.

Remarkably, parts of the original buildings survive today, and archaeology has revealed a rich cultural heritage, including the largest collection of 7^th-century window glass in Europe. It produced the Venerable Bede, Europe’s greatest 8th century scholar. Amongst his many achievements, Bede’s writings, on every subject studied in his day, quickly became key to European learning and have been in continuous use ever since. These included the first history of the English, using the term ‘English’ two centuries before a united England, and works on science and the calendar which set the basis for the Easter calculation still used today.

 

Wearmouth-Jarrow's outstanding universal value lies in its influence on learning, its part in the emergence of European identity, the survival of original fabric, and as the home of one of scholarship's original giants – Bede. This combination of survival is unparalleled North of the Alps.

Other World Heritage Sites regionally, nationally and internationally include Durham Castle and Cathedral, Stonehenge, the Grand Canyon, the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China and the Sydney Opera House.