St. Peter’s Church, Sunderland

St Peter’s Church in Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, is one of England’s oldest stone churches, founded around AD 674–675 by Benedict Biscop as part of the twin monastery with Jarrow. Today it remains an active Church of England parish, serving both local worship and visitor interest with daily services and community events like craft groups and “Bede’s Bakehouse”.

The most ancient survival of the original seventh‑century building includes the west wall, western porch, and the lower stages of the tower . The tower, expanded into the 10th–11th centuries, preserves Romanesque half‑moon arches, including original stone carvings such as the famous “serpent” detail.

Subsequent medieval additions from the 13th and 14th centuries include the chancel arch, nave, a north aisle, and a striking five‑light east window. In 1875–76, a Victorian restoration rebuilt the north aisle, added a new organ loft, and redecorated the interior in Gothic Revival style, retaining medieval stonework in places.

St Peter’s has witnessed centuries of upheaval: Viking raids in the late 8th and 9th centuries demolished much of the early structure, while later Acts of Dissolution in Henry VIII’s reign converted it from monastery to parish church . Despite these changes, it was designated a Grade I listed building in 1950 and sits within a scheduled ancient monument area.

The church also holds enduring cultural significance: it nurtured the Venerable Bede, who joined the monastery aged seven and later authored The Ecclesiastical History of the English People. It once housed an ancient monastic library and early stained-glass—possibly the first in England—crafted by French glaziers brought in by Biscop.

Today, St Peter’s offers more than worship: visitors can enjoy interactive historical displays, a craft shop, a riverside community garden, and events like photography and art nights. Located beside the University of Sunderland’s St Peter’s campus and Metro station, it remains a vibrant spiritual, historical, and community landmark.