Pictures of Sunderland

About Sunderland

For over a thousand years a port has existed at the mouth of the Wear but the major ship-building industry that grew up from this, has now gone.

Sunderland was granted a charter in 1145, the charter gave it market rights and thus the town grew slowly from humble beginnings. In the 14th-century, many towns-folk died from the black death and the town was slow to recover. However, the port continued to thrive and by the 18th-century there was a ship-building industry in Sunderland. The industry was to develop on a massive scale and by the 19th-century Sunderland had gained world wide respect for it's huge ship-building operations. As with many other northern town's, Sunderland had it's full share of suffering in the great depression of the 1930's but rose again to enjoy a period of development and stability until the 1980's when ship-building declined and came to an end.

Rope, Glass, Pottery and Coal, have been major industries in Sunderland. The last colliery closed in 1993 and Sunderland Pottery operated from about 1807 to 1865 when it was noted for fine lustre-ware. In the auctions of today, a rare, highly prized piece of Sunderland lustre-ware, can fetch a high price.

One of the features of the town is the soaring arch of Wearmouth bridge which stands in start contrast to the railway bridge close-by. The bridge was built in 1927 and carries a medallion showing the cast iron bridge of 1796, which the new bridge replaced. Another feature is the church of St.Peter, one of Northumbria's oldest churches. At Monkswearmouth you will find the railway museum which is open daily and housed in a building dated 1848. The museum recalls the romance af the age of steam, it has an elegant Edwardian, booking office and a collection of wonderful old locomotives.

Today, Sunderland is a lively city that has much to do with business and commerce. It has an interesting City centre that offers visitors a wide cutlural experience. There are museums, art galleries, fine hotels and restaurants, sporting facilities, shops and plenty of inns. To the seaward side of the city, the resorts of Roker and Seaburn merge and there is a pleasant sandy bay. This is truly a city of the 21st-century that has something for everyone.