Dozens of people enjoy rare chance to climb Sunderland historic landmark

Holy Trinity Church covered in scaffold. Picture by FRANK REID

The Churches Conservation Trust, which is responsible for Holy Trinity Church, in Church Street East, Sunderland, took advantage of ongoing restoration work at the 18th Century building to organise guided tours.

Windy weather meant the 36 people who secured places for the three sell-out trips were unable to climb up the scaffolding to the very top of the 60ft church.

But Holy Trinity centre manager Tracey Mienie said the “feedback was phenomenal” and added: “Everyone enjoyed the trip and a lot of the people who took part had a connection to the church.

John Porter,who was baptised at Holy Trinity Church, was among the visitors to take the trip. Picture by FRANK REID

“One person had been baptised here and was pleased to come back and visit the church.

“We would love to hold another one but we think it will be unlikely.”

Holy Trinity Church, which was consecrated in 1719, is undergoing £4.3m of work to transform it into a cultural venue from this autumn.

The ongoing National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported project will repair the church’s fabric and allow it to host a variety of events from this November.

A view of Sunderland from raised scaffolding at Holy Trinity Church. Picture by FRANK REID

No longer used for regular worship, the Georgian building has also served as a court, council chamber and library.

It will also host two internal guided tours on Thursday, April 23, and Friday, May 15, from 9.45am.

Bookings cost £2.75p, which will go towards restoration funds, and can be made by logging on to www.eventbrite.co.uk and searching for Seventeen Nineteen – Hard Hard Tour or by contacting Mrs Mienie on (07919) 543016.