Historic Sunderland
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Sunderland from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover Sunderland's listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Sunderland's most significant historic sites, curated from the National Heritage List for England.
Sunderland Synagogue
Sunderland
Synagogue of The Sunderland Hebrew Congregation. 1928 by Marcus K Glass, altered by insertion of Bimah in 1968.
Elephant Tea Warehouse and Grocers
Sunderland
Grocers and tea warehouse for Grimshaw & Son to designs of Frank Caws, incorporating an early-C19 house and a later-C19 building.
Monkwearmouth Anglo-Saxon monastery and medieval priory
Sunderland
From the time of St Augustine's mission to re-establish Christianity in AD 597 community.
First World War early warning acoustic mirror on Namey Hi…
Sunderland
An early-C20 military early warning device known as a sound mirror. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Mackie's Corner
Sunderland
Former shops and houses, 1850-53, to the designs of George Andrew Middlemiss. Classical style. C20 and C21 alterations.
Penshaw Parish, Shiney Row War Memorial
Shiney Row and Penshaw
First World War memorial, unveiled 1922.
Hasting Hill cursus and causewayed enclosure, 600m south …
Sunderland
A cursus is an elongated rectilinear earthwork, the length of which is normally greater than 250m and more than ten times its width.
Round barrow on Hasting Hill, 230m west of Hasting Hill Farm
Sunderland
Bowl barrows, the most numerous form of round barrow, are funerary monuments dating from the Late Neolithic period to the Late Bronze Age, with most...
Fatfield War Memorial
Washington
Fatfield War Memorial, which stands on Bonemill Lane, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons: Architectural interest: a simple yet...
Houghton-le-Spring War Memorial
Houghton-le-Spring
First World War memorial, 1925, with sculpture by FW Doyle-Jones.
Colliery engine house at Washington F Pit, Albany
Washington
Coal has been mined in England since Roman times, and between 8,000 and 10,000 coal industry sites of all dates up to the collieries of post-war...
Washington and Barmston War Memorial
Washington
First World War memorial, unveiled 1920, with additions for later conflicts.
Hutchinson's Buildings
Sunderland
Former shops and offices, rebuilt in 1898-1899 after destruction by fire, to the designs of Henry Miller Potts of Joseph Potts & Son.
Phoenix Hall
Sunderland
Masonic Hall, 1784-5 by John Bonner; banqueting range converted from an attached building 1890-1894, and extended late C20; rear entrance hall range...
Hylton Castle: a medieval fortified house, chapel, 17th a…
Sunderland
Fortified houses were residences belonging to some of the richest and most ground surface.
Roman Catholic Church of St Leonard with attached presbyt…
Sunderland
Roman Catholic Church, presbytery and enclosing walls, 1872-3 to designs of George Goldie of Goldie and Child. Early English Gothic style.
Historic Sunderland through time
The National Heritage List for England contains hundreds of details about buildings and places, including the periods in which they were built and the uses they've had over the years. Explore how your local area has changed through time.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion and the introduction of writing. Primarily hunter-gatherers of several human species including Neanderthals, the peoples moved across Europe, hunting animals, exchanging ideas and developing complex culture and belief systems including burial rites and astronomical understanding, as at Stonehenge for example.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion and the introduction of writing. Primarily hunter-gatherers of several human species including Neanderthals, the peoples moved across Europe, hunting animals, exchanging ideas and developing complex culture and belief systems including burial rites and astronomical understanding, as at Stonehenge for example.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Sunderland
Historic aerial photography shows the growth and changes in England's urban and rural landscapes, revealing secrets that are impossible to see from the ground.
Sunderland
The British Ropes Ltd Hemp and Rope Works in Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, 1936
Sunderland
The British Ropes Ltd Hemp and Rope Works in Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, 1936
Washington
Turner and Newall Ltd Washington Chemical Works, Washington, 1926
Washington
Turner and Newall Ltd Washington Chemical Works, Washington, 1926
South Hylton
Ford Quarry, South Hylton, 1926
South Hylton
Ford Quarry, South Hylton, 1926
Sunderland
The Sunderland Forge and Engineering Co Ltd Works, Sunderland, 1932
Sunderland
The Sunderland Forge and Engineering Co Ltd Works, Sunderland, 1932
South Hylton
Ford Paper Mills, South Hylton, 1926
South Hylton
The Ford Paper Mill and the Ford Limestone Quarry, South Hylton, 1948
Historic England Archive images of Sunderland
The Historic England Archive holds and cares for over 15 million images, from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Sunderland's past.
Eileen ‘Dusty’ Deste Collection
Sunderland
Date created: Feb 1961
Two women on the dance floor at a party
Eric de Mare
Houghton Le Spring, Sunderland
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Exterior view of St Michael and All Angels' Church in Houghton le Spring showing a window detail.
John Laing Collection
Sunderland
Date created: circa 1946 - 1959
Interior view of a sitting room in a prefabricated BISF (British Iron and Steel Federation) steel framed show house furnished by the Newbottle and...
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Roker, Sunderland, Sunderland
Date created: 1900 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING THE NEW EXTENSION ROKER
Eric de Mare
Sunderland
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Interior view of Holy Trinity Church in Sunderland showing the nave looking west. It was designed in 1719 by William Etty of York.
John Laing Collection
Sunderland
Date created: circa 1946 - 1959
Exterior view of a prefabricated BISF (British Iron and Steel Federation) steel framed show house furnished by the Newbottle and District Co-operative...
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Sunderland
Date created: 1900 - 1908
INTERIOR VIEW
Eileen ‘Dusty’ Deste Collection
Sunderland
Date created: Feb 1961
A couple on the dance floor at a party
Eric de Mare
Sunderland
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Interior view of Holy Trinity Church in Sunderland showing the font cover. It is dated 1719.
John Laing Collection
Sunderland
Date created: circa 1946 - 1959
Interior view of dining room in a prefabricated BISF (British Iron and Steel Federation) steel framed show house furnished by the Newbottle and...
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Mowbray Park, Sunderland, Sunderland
Date created: 1900 - 1930
GENERAL VIEW LOOKING TOWARDS THE MONUMENT
Stories about heritage in Sunderland
Historic England publishes news, blogs, videos and podcasts celebrating England's heritage. Discover the stories we have about Sunderland.
10 Places with Coal Mining History
Mentions Sunderland, Coal Staithe at Wearmouth Collery, Lime Kilns on North Bank of River Wear at NZ 3895 5826
Evidence of England’s coal mining heritage can still be found nationwide.
16 Stories of African Lives in Northern England
Mentions Sunderland
Discover the often untold stories of brilliant and resilient people of African heritage.
The Story of Martini Maccomo: A Black Lion Tamer in Sunderland
Mentions Sunderland
Possibly the first Black lion tamer in England, Maccomo was tamer to Sunderland’s famous taxidermy lion Wallace.
12 Lost English Football Grounds
Mentions Sunderland
Take a trip back in time to grounds once home to clubs of the English football leagues.
The Great Fire of Sunderland
Mentions Sunderland, Hutchinson's Buildings
120 years ago a catastrophic fire broke out in the heart of Sunderland in the North East.
New Funding Allows Young People to Explore Their Forgotten Local Histories
Mentions Sunderland
Historic England has announced brand new funding for 11 ‘History in the Making’ youth-led place marking projects across northern England.
Successful Heritage Regeneration Programme Has Revived Historic Towns Across England
Mentions 170, 171 and 173, High Street West, Phoenix Hall, Sunderland
Historic England’s £6 million Heritage Action Zone scheme has unleashed the power of heritage to breathe new life into 10 historic towns.
Historic England Launches Interactive Story Map for Schools to Celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee
Mentions Sunderland
A resource to educate children about their local history, highlighting important sites that the Queen has visited throughout her 70-year reign.
Historic England Highlights Captivating Heritage Sites Listed in 2021
Mentions Sunderland
Highlights from over 400 historic places which have been added to or amended on the National Heritage List for England in 2021.
Explore your social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about heritage in their local area.
Victoria Hall Disaster Memorial, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Memorial to 183 children who died in the Victoria Hall Disaster on the 16th June 1883.
Victoria Hall Disaster Memorial, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
The Bede Memorial, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
The Bede Memorial was built in 1904 in a Saxon style to commemorate the religious scholar known as the venerable Bede.
The Bede Memorial, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Sunderland Harbour Lighthouse, Tyne and Wear
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
The old lighthouse was built in 1856 by Thomas Meik and transferred to this site in 1983 when the pier was shortened.
Sunderland Harbour Lighthouse, Tyne and Wear
Steel Framed House, Newbottle, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
Exterior view of a prefabricated BISF (British Iron and Steel Federation) steel framed show house furnished by the Newbottle and District Co-operative...
Steel Framed House, Newbottle, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear
Statue of General Havelock, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Statue of General Havelock built in 1861, the inscription reads 'Born 5 April 1775 at Ford Hall, Bishopwearmouth.
Statue of General Havelock, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Roker Park, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
Children gathered around the edge of the lake. This park was opened to the public in 1880.
Roker Park, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Prefabricated house, Sunderland
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
This dining room is in a prefabricated BISF (British Iron and Steel Federation) steel framed show house.
Prefabricated house, Sunderland
Prefabricated house, Sunderland
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
This sitting room is in a prefabricated BISF (British Iron and Steel Federation) steel framed show house.
Prefabricated house, Sunderland
Visit grant-aided places near you
These places and buildings have been helped by Historic England's financial grants. Find local heritage in your neighbourhood that you never knew existed! Please note that opening times may vary.
Fulwell Mill, Newcastle Road
Grade II* listed mill built in 1821 using local limestone, remaining in use until 1949. Restoration of Mill as a visitor attraction completed in 2019.
World War I early warning acoustic mirror on Namey Hill, 570m north of Carley Hill Cricket Ground Fulwell Acoustic Mirror
World War I early warning system sound detection concrete dish.
Phoenix Hall, Queen Street East,
Masonic Temple, Purpose built by Phoenix Lodge No 94 in 1785, on the site of the Golden Lion Coaching Inn bowling green, it is Grade I listed,...
Holy Trinity Church, Church Street East
Holy Trinity Church is located in the East End of Sunderland.
Discover more Heritage nearby
Have you got another local place, or somewhere you're planning to visit? Take a look at these other places nearby
