A real Georgian gem and one of the city's oldest buildings, Phoenix Hall, in the East End, remains much as it was when it was built in 1784-5. In 2023, it underwent a major restoration project. Although the Hall has been extended and altered over the years, its original structure and interior has remained remarkably intact, with the original organ, ceremonial chairs and furnishings still in place. But, structurally, it was in need of major repairs to its flooring, which was held together with the original 300-year old nails, windows, masonry and roofing.placeholder image
A real Georgian gem and one of the city's oldest buildings, Phoenix Hall, in the East End, remains much as it was when it was built in 1784-5. In 2023, it underwent a major restoration project. Although the Hall has been extended and altered over the years, its original structure and interior has remained remarkably intact, with the original organ, ceremonial chairs and furnishings still in place. But, structurally, it was in need of major repairs to its flooring, which was held together with the original 300-year old nails, windows, masonry and roofing. | Sunderland Echo

Step inside one of Sunderland's most-historic buildings with a fascinating story to tell

By Katy Wheeler

Lifestyle Editor

Published 14th Jul 2025, 14:07 GMT

There’s the chance to step inside one of Sunderland’s most-historic buildings this month.

Queen Street Masonic Lodge in the East End, also known as Phoenix Hall, is open every day this month for a Century of Wedding Gowns exhibition.

Only open to the public for a select number of events, it’s a real chance to step back in time.

A real bridge to Sunderland’s past, the handsome Grade I-listed building – one of only two in the East End with such a listing, the other being the nearby Holy Trinity Church – 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.

5. Bridge to Sunderland's past

A real bridge to Sunderland’s past, the handsome Grade I-listed building – one of only two in the East End with such a listing, the other being the nearby Holy Trinity Church – 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. Photo: National World

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More than 50 dresses are on display across the Temple room and in the board room for the current exhibition. They include the dress worn by Kathy Weir, the widow of rugby legend Doddie Weir who died from Motor Neurone Disease, with the exhibition raising funds for MND charity My Name'5 Doddie Foundation

6. Raising money for a great cause

More than 50 dresses are on display across the Temple room and in the board room for the current exhibition. They include the dress worn by Kathy Weir, the widow of rugby legend Doddie Weir who died from Motor Neurone Disease, with the exhibition raising funds for MND charity My Name'5 Doddie Foundation | Sunderland Echo

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With each exhibition location, Kevin likes to include as many dresses as possible from the area, so this display features many Sunderland gowns and include dresses made by his grandma Hannah Hoggett who was a tailoress, as well as those purchased from long-gone Sunderland shops like Jopling’s. Lots of the brides like to come and see their dresses being put to good use, rather than sat in a box in the loft,” explained Kevin.

7. A journey through time

With each exhibition location, Kevin likes to include as many dresses as possible from the area, so this display features many Sunderland gowns and include dresses made by his grandma Hannah Hoggett who was a tailoress, as well as those purchased from long-gone Sunderland shops like Jopling’s. Lots of the brides like to come and see their dresses being put to good use, rather than sat in a box in the loft,” explained Kevin. | Sunderland Echo

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Help to preserve this chapter of history came in the form of a grant of more than £200,000 from Historic England. The repair work at Phoenix Hall forms part of Sunderland’s Historic High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) initiative. Led by Historic England, Sunderland City Council and partners, the scheme has been reinvigorating historic buildings, sparking interest in the city’s fascinating history and acting as a catalyst for regeneration. The custodians of this important building, which is also known as Queen Street Lodge, due to its location, are Queen Street Heritage Trust.

8. Preserving the past

Help to preserve this chapter of history came in the form of a grant of more than £200,000 from Historic England. The repair work at Phoenix Hall forms part of Sunderland’s Historic High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) initiative. Led by Historic England, Sunderland City Council and partners, the scheme has been reinvigorating historic buildings, sparking interest in the city’s fascinating history and acting as a catalyst for regeneration. The custodians of this important building, which is also known as Queen Street Lodge, due to its location, are Queen Street Heritage Trust. | Sunderland Echo

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