From the oldest purpose-built masonic lodge in the country and Sunderland’s oldest pub to a school that pioneered the education of poor girls in the area, here’s a look at some of the places worth checking out.
1. Seventeen Nineteen at Holy Trinity Church, Church Street East
It's stood in the heart of old Sunderland for 300 years and last year Holy Trinity Church in Church Street East entered a new chapter after a major £5million restoration project transforming it into events space, Seventeen Nineteen. Named after the year the port’s first parish church opened its doors, Seventeen Nineteen once housed the old town’s council chamber and its first library, making it one of the city’s most historically-significant buildings. Today, it hosts regular events and community groups. Pictured is centre manager Tracey Mienie. Photo: Stu Norton
2. Phoenix Lodge, Queen Street
While the landscape of Wearside has evolved around it, Phoenix Hall remains much as it was when it was built in 1784-5. Now, the intricate historic features at the hall, the oldest surviving purpose-built masonic lodge still in use by the Freemasons in England, have been given a new lease of life thanks to a major restoration projection. A real bridge to Sunderland’s past, the handsome Grade I-listed building is testament to the rich history of the East End, when the then town was growing in wealth thanks to the trade in coal, timber and shipbuilding. Groups can book tours of the building, which also opens for Heritage Open Days. Photo: National World
3. Sunderland Maritime Heritage, Church Street East
Sunderland Maritime Heritage in Church Street East is a great charity that preserve the artefacts, documents, pictures and skills of the shipyard workers that contributed to shipbuilding in Sunderland from 1346 until 1988 when the last shipyard closed. Volunteers have a great wealth of knowledge and welcome visitors for a tour of the site. Photo: Stu Norton
4. The Eagle Building, High Street East
With its distinctive eagle looming large over High Street East, The Eagle building is one of the street's finer buildings. It was the site of a pub dating from the late 17th century. Originally known as the Three Crowns, the pub changed names over the centuries until the 1860s when the owner, Mr Newbiggin, established the Eagle Tavern. The eagle was probably mounted on the building's roof in honour of the pub's new name. Today, it's home to a number of independent businesses and creatives. Photo: national world