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The city of Sunderland forms a part of Tyne and Wear in the north-east of England and is situated to the south of Newcastle. It is found on the River Wear, a feature that has formed a large part of the local economy over the years, what with the shipbuilding industry and inevitably important port activity that accompanies such a feature. The city district of Sunderland is made up of several towns and villages including Sunderland itself and Washington which is further inland while to the east is the North Sea which means there is a coast to witness and enjoy in addition.
Although the district of Sunderland in Tyne and Wear was formed as recently as 1974, the region has a past that dates to Anglo-Saxon times. Of course, Sunderland’s culture and history is largely based on the settlement’s position next to the sea and its related industries. Sunderland became a centre for learning and industry thanks to Benedict Biscop who established a centre of European learning in the town; he is now the town’s patron saint. By 1500 Sunderland had become a wealthy town but not before it had experienced or produced a number of firsts: it was in Sunderland that Venerable Bede wrote the first history of England, that glass-making was first introduced to the UK and that the Saxon Bible – the Codex Amiatinus – was produced.
When the district of Sunderland was formed in 1974 off the back of the Local Government Act of 1972 it brought together four sections of County Durham. It was not until 1992 that Sunderland was granted city status however, on the occasion of the Queen’s 40th anniversary since taking the throne; this despite the town having no cathedral. Significantly, during the course of the Second World War 245 merchant ships left the port carrying 1.5 million tons of goods. In 1988 though, Sunderland’s last shipyard closed down, closing an important chapter in the town’s history. Even still, the Royal Navy’s largest war ship – HMS Ocean – is based in the city, acting as a reminder of the north-east’s sea-faring roots.
In the improving city centre and around its outskirts there are several places to visit and things to see. Visitors can watch Sunderland play football at the Stadium of Light, visit the 674-built St Peter’s Church, watch a show at Sunderland Empire Theatre or head to the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art or the National Glass Centre.
Although the district of Sunderland in Tyne and Wear was formed as recently as 1974, the region has a past that dates to Anglo-Saxon times. Of course, Sunderland’s culture and history is largely based on the settlement’s position next to the sea and its related industries. Sunderland became a centre for learning and industry thanks to Benedict Biscop who established a centre of European learning in the town; he is now the town’s patron saint. By 1500 Sunderland had become a wealthy town but not before it had experienced or produced a number of firsts: it was in Sunderland that Venerable Bede wrote the first history of England, that glass-making was first introduced to the UK and that the Saxon Bible – the Codex Amiatinus – was produced.
When the district of Sunderland was formed in 1974 off the back of the Local Government Act of 1972 it brought together four sections of County Durham. It was not until 1992 that Sunderland was granted city status however, on the occasion of the Queen’s 40th anniversary since taking the throne; this despite the town having no cathedral. Significantly, during the course of the Second World War 245 merchant ships left the port carrying 1.5 million tons of goods. In 1988 though, Sunderland’s last shipyard closed down, closing an important chapter in the town’s history. Even still, the Royal Navy’s largest war ship – HMS Ocean – is based in the city, acting as a reminder of the north-east’s sea-faring roots.
In the improving city centre and around its outskirts there are several places to visit and things to see. Visitors can watch Sunderland play football at the Stadium of Light, visit the 674-built St Peter’s Church, watch a show at Sunderland Empire Theatre or head to the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art or the National Glass Centre.