Wearmouth - Jarrow Site

The twin Anglo-Saxon monastery of Wearmouth-Jarrow is the UK's nomination for World Heritage Site status in 2010. The monastery is centred on St Peter's Church in Wearmouth, Sunderland and St Paul's Church in Jarrow. Wearmouth-Jarrow was a major centre of European learning and culture in the 7th century and it was home to Venerable Bede, whose international influence remains today. Original and rare remains of the 7th century architecture are also still standing. If it achieves World Heritage Site status in 2010, this incredible site and its inspirational story will receive the world-wide recognition, and protection for the future, that it richly deserves.

The site was established in the 7th century by Benedict Biscop, who took inspiration from 6 trips to Rome and brought back stonemasons and glaziers to help create his dream monestery.
Unlike other 7th-century Northumbrian monasteries, where nothing original survives above ground, parts of Benedict Biscop’s original 7th century buildings survive in both St Peter's and St paul's. When the monastery was excavated, the largest collection of rare 7th-century coloured window glass from any European site was discovered. Benedict Biscop also built up one of the best libraries of the day. This enabled Bede to become the greatest scholar of the day, whose works are still in use internationally over 13 centuries on.