St Peter's Church

The foundation of St Peter's is inextricably linked to the life of Benedict Biscop, a Northumbrian monk and scholar. In 674AD, with the blessing of King Ecgfrith, Benedict established a double monastery on the banks of the River Wear. The complex comprised two churches, St Peter's in Monkwearmouth and St Paul's in Jarrow, and became a center of learning and religious devotion.

Benedict's vision was to create a monastery that rivalled the finest in Europe. He brought skilled craftsmen from Gaul, including stonemasons and glassmakers, to construct the church. The original building, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, featured a nave, chancel, and a distinctive west porch adorned with intricate stone carvings. The only surviving elements of Biscop's building are the west wall and porch.

The early years of St Peter's were marked by a period of great intellectual and artistic flourishing. The monastery's library, renowned for its collection of manuscripts, attracted scholars from across Europe. Among the most famous of these was the Venerable Bede, who spent much of his life at Monkwearmouth-Jarrow and produced a vast body of historical and theological works, including his monumental "Ecclesiastical History of the English People".

However, the fortunes of St Peter's and the monastery began to decline in the 10th century. Viking raids and political instability led to a period of decline, and the monastery eventually fell into disrepair. The Norman Conquest of 1066 further disrupted the region, and the once-vibrant monastic community dwindled.

Despite these setbacks, St Peter's continued to serve as a place of worship. The church underwent significant alterations and additions over the centuries, reflecting changing architectural styles and the evolving needs of the local community. The Norman period saw the construction of a new chancel arch and the addition of a crypt. In the 13th century, the north aisle was extended, and a beautiful five-light east window was installed.

The dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII in the 16th century marked another turning point in the history of St Peter's. The monastic community was dispersed, and the church became a parish church. While the loss of the monastic library was a significant blow to the site's cultural heritage, the church continued to play a vital role in the spiritual life of the community.

The 19th century brought further changes to St Peter's. In 1875, a major restoration project was undertaken, which involved the rebuilding of the north aisle and the installation of a new organ loft. The church's interior was also redecorated in a Gothic Revival style, reflecting the prevailing architectural taste of the time.

Throughout the 20th century, St Peter's continued to adapt to the changing needs of the community. The church played a significant role in providing support and solace during World War I and World War II. In the post-war period, the church underwent further restoration work, including the repair of the roof and the installation of new stained-glass windows.

The gravestone above, marks the final resting place of George Hudson and other members of his family. George was known as "The Railway King" and owned 1000 miles of railway during his lifetime. He was also an MP for Sunderland and Mayor of York three times.

In 2015 a new garden was designed and built which helps you to understand the size of the original Monastery footprint during the Benedict Biscop era. Stone walls and soft landscaping demonstrate the locations of the exterior walls and internal spaces without disturbing the sensitive archaeology underneath.

A timeline was also installed as part of the works.

Today, St Peter's Church remains an active place of worship and a popular visitor attraction. With roots stretching back to the 7th century, it is one of the oldest continuously used churches in Britain and a Grade I listed building.