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 historical gems worth checking out.
9. Trafalgar Square Alms Houses, Church Walk
Once alms houses for merchant seamen, their wives, unmarried daughters and widows, The Trafalgar Square Alms Houses are still homes today and are a fine example of listed Georgian architecture. They date back to 1840 and are still remarkably well preserved. Photo: Stu Norton
10. The Clarendon, High Street East
The Clarendon is a pub steeped in history that kept sailors and workers at the nearby port well watered for centuries. It's Sunderland's oldest pub, with licensing records for the premises dating back to 1753. A hidden tunnel links the pub to the quayside and was once used by smugglers and press gangs. | Sunderland Echo
11. The Town Moor
First established as a public common in 1718 alongside the creation of the Holy Trinity Church and the new parish of Sunderland, theTown Moor was once significantly larger and served a variety of purposes throughout its history. This included industrial activities such as limestone, clay quarrying and rope-making, as well as sporting activities such as bull, badger and bear baiting. | Sunderland Echo
12. Merchants houses, Church Street
The merchants houses in Church Street are the earliest surviving of their kind in the city and date back to 1711. Today it's partly a chapter house for the Hell's Angels. Photo: google images