North East Heritage Library
@neheritagelib.bsky.social
exploring and documenting the North East, one brick at a time (among other things) / this weeks focus: Sunderland
northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk / linktr.ee/nehl
northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk / linktr.ee/nehl
Sports Archive Tuesday today, so I've added a couple more sites at Berwick.
Most notably I've added Tweedmouth Bowling Club, which is nearing its centenary. A rifle range also added on the town walls.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/sportsarchive
Most notably I've added Tweedmouth Bowling Club, which is nearing its centenary. A rifle range also added on the town walls.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/sportsarchive
November 25, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Sports Archive Tuesday today, so I've added a couple more sites at Berwick.
Most notably I've added Tweedmouth Bowling Club, which is nearing its centenary. A rifle range also added on the town walls.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/sportsarchive
Most notably I've added Tweedmouth Bowling Club, which is nearing its centenary. A rifle range also added on the town walls.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/sportsarchive
Continuing on the Mackem church themes just down the road at Ashbrooke, with one of the most stunning Wesleyan places of worship you'll ever see. Though often more opulent than their Primitive counterparts, you generally don't see many Gothic Wesleyans to the scale of their Anglican cousins.
November 24, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Continuing on the Mackem church themes just down the road at Ashbrooke, with one of the most stunning Wesleyan places of worship you'll ever see. Though often more opulent than their Primitive counterparts, you generally don't see many Gothic Wesleyans to the scale of their Anglican cousins.
Good morning :-)
Heading the week with the addition of the Christ Church on Ryhope Road to the site. This limestone church was constructed in the 1860s as the centrepiece to the new affluent outer ring of the town, paid for by glassmakers and merchants.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/grid
Heading the week with the addition of the Christ Church on Ryhope Road to the site. This limestone church was constructed in the 1860s as the centrepiece to the new affluent outer ring of the town, paid for by glassmakers and merchants.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/grid
November 24, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Good morning :-)
Heading the week with the addition of the Christ Church on Ryhope Road to the site. This limestone church was constructed in the 1860s as the centrepiece to the new affluent outer ring of the town, paid for by glassmakers and merchants.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/grid
Heading the week with the addition of the Christ Church on Ryhope Road to the site. This limestone church was constructed in the 1860s as the centrepiece to the new affluent outer ring of the town, paid for by glassmakers and merchants.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/grid
If it weren't for other faiths and congregations, many of these historic buildings would be no more.
Source of 186s/1870s shot: Sunderland Antiquarian Society
Source of 186s/1870s shot: Sunderland Antiquarian Society
November 23, 2025 at 4:28 PM
If it weren't for other faiths and congregations, many of these historic buildings would be no more.
Source of 186s/1870s shot: Sunderland Antiquarian Society
Source of 186s/1870s shot: Sunderland Antiquarian Society
This one was constructed in the early 1860s, formed as the parish church. If you take a look at the picture below, you'll see a shot of it just after it was built, with a haystack obscuring part of the transept.
November 23, 2025 at 4:28 PM
This one was constructed in the early 1860s, formed as the parish church. If you take a look at the picture below, you'll see a shot of it just after it was built, with a haystack obscuring part of the transept.
Evening! I'd be here all day if we documented every single church in Sunderland, but we'll give it a go. This one certainly isn't worth missing too - the Christ Church on Ryhope Road, built to serve the affluent classes surrounding.
November 23, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Evening! I'd be here all day if we documented every single church in Sunderland, but we'll give it a go. This one certainly isn't worth missing too - the Christ Church on Ryhope Road, built to serve the affluent classes surrounding.
This time last year I came to look after the definitive collection of items from the old Bedlington Iron Works, who were one of the earliest rail and locomotive factories in the country. Here’s a few pieces, inc. a locomotive builders plate and original rule sheet.
November 22, 2025 at 3:36 PM
This time last year I came to look after the definitive collection of items from the old Bedlington Iron Works, who were one of the earliest rail and locomotive factories in the country. Here’s a few pieces, inc. a locomotive builders plate and original rule sheet.
Sunderland's Masonic Temple is an absolute behemoth, and really sets itself apart from its surroundings with its Greek-esque porch and columns. I thought this was much older, but it's not even a century old.
November 21, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Sunderland's Masonic Temple is an absolute behemoth, and really sets itself apart from its surroundings with its Greek-esque porch and columns. I thought this was much older, but it's not even a century old.
Hi all. No post from me tonight, but just a final heads up that we have a very limited number of Compendiums up on the site right now. Like, single digit numbers. If you missed out, now is your only time to grab one! 🥳🥳
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/product-page...
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/product-page...
November 20, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Hi all. No post from me tonight, but just a final heads up that we have a very limited number of Compendiums up on the site right now. Like, single digit numbers. If you missed out, now is your only time to grab one! 🥳🥳
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/product-page...
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/product-page...
Good morning.
I've added the Victoria Hall to the site, and felt it be more apt to share the memorial over the road this morning than the building itself. How stone can evoke such an emotion is testament to the mason.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/features/the...
I've added the Victoria Hall to the site, and felt it be more apt to share the memorial over the road this morning than the building itself. How stone can evoke such an emotion is testament to the mason.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/features/the...
November 20, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Good morning.
I've added the Victoria Hall to the site, and felt it be more apt to share the memorial over the road this morning than the building itself. How stone can evoke such an emotion is testament to the mason.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/features/the...
I've added the Victoria Hall to the site, and felt it be more apt to share the memorial over the road this morning than the building itself. How stone can evoke such an emotion is testament to the mason.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/features/the...
Delighted to let you all know we have a very limited number of 2025 Compendiums available. 🥳
They're available to purchase on the site, but once they're gone they're gooooneeeee
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/category/all...
They're available to purchase on the site, but once they're gone they're gooooneeeee
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/category/all...
November 19, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Delighted to let you all know we have a very limited number of 2025 Compendiums available. 🥳
They're available to purchase on the site, but once they're gone they're gooooneeeee
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/category/all...
They're available to purchase on the site, but once they're gone they're gooooneeeee
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/category/all...
Due to the daft weather, today will be spent updating the website!
First and foremost I've added the possible site of the Mills Shipyard at Deptford, which operated through the 1830s building ships for general cargo companies.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/shipbuilding...
First and foremost I've added the possible site of the Mills Shipyard at Deptford, which operated through the 1830s building ships for general cargo companies.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/shipbuilding...
November 19, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Due to the daft weather, today will be spent updating the website!
First and foremost I've added the possible site of the Mills Shipyard at Deptford, which operated through the 1830s building ships for general cargo companies.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/shipbuilding...
First and foremost I've added the possible site of the Mills Shipyard at Deptford, which operated through the 1830s building ships for general cargo companies.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/shipbuilding...
Very much mourning the loss of the Hartlepool History Then & Now site, which appears to have died a death this past year. An invaluable resource for those researching the town and its industry. I just really hope there's a full record of it somewhere :-(
November 19, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Very much mourning the loss of the Hartlepool History Then & Now site, which appears to have died a death this past year. An invaluable resource for those researching the town and its industry. I just really hope there's a full record of it somewhere :-(
Hey - I was away today so no time to update or post anything, but just to let you know I’m still incredibly keen to gauge your opinions on our little project and how we can move forward into 2026.
Your words are absolutely invaluable 🙌
forms.gle/RC7g7x8ogpeK...
Your words are absolutely invaluable 🙌
forms.gle/RC7g7x8ogpeK...
November 18, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Hey - I was away today so no time to update or post anything, but just to let you know I’m still incredibly keen to gauge your opinions on our little project and how we can move forward into 2026.
Your words are absolutely invaluable 🙌
forms.gle/RC7g7x8ogpeK...
Your words are absolutely invaluable 🙌
forms.gle/RC7g7x8ogpeK...
Evening everyone. Still taking in the beautiful east end of Sunderland's city centre, and all of a sudden I came across this old school which may form the ground zero of Sunderland AFC.
November 17, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Evening everyone. Still taking in the beautiful east end of Sunderland's city centre, and all of a sudden I came across this old school which may form the ground zero of Sunderland AFC.
Morning all!
I'm away tomorrow, so a double header of additions to the site today. I've popped on Sunderland's old Post Office and Citadel - both built at the height of the city's power. A history, maps and context added as ever.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/grid
I'm away tomorrow, so a double header of additions to the site today. I've popped on Sunderland's old Post Office and Citadel - both built at the height of the city's power. A history, maps and context added as ever.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/grid
November 17, 2025 at 7:55 AM
Morning all!
I'm away tomorrow, so a double header of additions to the site today. I've popped on Sunderland's old Post Office and Citadel - both built at the height of the city's power. A history, maps and context added as ever.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/grid
I'm away tomorrow, so a double header of additions to the site today. I've popped on Sunderland's old Post Office and Citadel - both built at the height of the city's power. A history, maps and context added as ever.
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/grid
As far as I am aware, the building is now apartments having closed some decades ago.
November 16, 2025 at 4:21 PM
As far as I am aware, the building is now apartments having closed some decades ago.
See, Sunderland doesn't get the attention it deserves for its gorgeous architecture. I hope I've shown with the last few posts that it stands on its own two feet as a powerhouse of 19th century treasures. Though in scaffolding, it also provides one of the best examples of Post Offices in the region.
November 16, 2025 at 4:21 PM
See, Sunderland doesn't get the attention it deserves for its gorgeous architecture. I hope I've shown with the last few posts that it stands on its own two feet as a powerhouse of 19th century treasures. Though in scaffolding, it also provides one of the best examples of Post Offices in the region.
50 responses - you guys have blown me away. In fact, whoever wrote this one I bubbled to my wife because it was so kind
I've added a few extra bits, specifically about our walks for the 2026 season. It would mean the world if you could give your input:
forms.gle/VdFR1hkacRvt...
I've added a few extra bits, specifically about our walks for the 2026 season. It would mean the world if you could give your input:
forms.gle/VdFR1hkacRvt...
November 14, 2025 at 6:28 PM
50 responses - you guys have blown me away. In fact, whoever wrote this one I bubbled to my wife because it was so kind
I've added a few extra bits, specifically about our walks for the 2026 season. It would mean the world if you could give your input:
forms.gle/VdFR1hkacRvt...
I've added a few extra bits, specifically about our walks for the 2026 season. It would mean the world if you could give your input:
forms.gle/VdFR1hkacRvt...
Just a lil tease into the world of Sally Citadels 🧡
November 14, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Just a lil tease into the world of Sally Citadels 🧡
It remained here until the mid 90s, and after a year of being listed was sadly demolished (I say as I grit my teeth). Sadly, these old buildings are so big that there's only so much scope for their use. I get it, but I'm still sad about it.
November 14, 2025 at 4:02 PM
It remained here until the mid 90s, and after a year of being listed was sadly demolished (I say as I grit my teeth). Sadly, these old buildings are so big that there's only so much scope for their use. I get it, but I'm still sad about it.
Cities are at such a loss when they no longer feature their own Salvation Army Citadel. They were mighty things, like castles - imposing and impenetrable like the mission they set out for through their Methodist principles in 1865, Sadly, Sunderland's iteration on Lambton Street is long gone.
November 14, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Cities are at such a loss when they no longer feature their own Salvation Army Citadel. They were mighty things, like castles - imposing and impenetrable like the mission they set out for through their Methodist principles in 1865, Sadly, Sunderland's iteration on Lambton Street is long gone.
Hi all - last update of the week. I've stuck the Theatre Royal on the Sports Archive thanks to its stint as a boxing venue in the 1930s. I guess you can say plenty of fights happened here in the 90s under the New Monkey banner an all. 😂
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/sports-archi...
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/sports-archi...
November 14, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Hi all - last update of the week. I've stuck the Theatre Royal on the Sports Archive thanks to its stint as a boxing venue in the 1930s. I guess you can say plenty of fights happened here in the 90s under the New Monkey banner an all. 😂
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/sports-archi...
www.northeastheritagelibrary.co.uk/sports-archi...
It closed in 1994 due to arson, and eventually was demolished to make way for a petrol station. Aptly, it's now a massive cinema again, though you can still hear makina when you're on the X1 to Washington
November 13, 2025 at 4:34 PM
It closed in 1994 due to arson, and eventually was demolished to make way for a petrol station. Aptly, it's now a massive cinema again, though you can still hear makina when you're on the X1 to Washington
The Rank's took it on in 1959 until 1964, and from there became the Top Rank Bingo Club. I imagine many of you will actually know it as the Blue Monkey nightclub though, the origin of makina and inspiration for nearly every meme about the North East.
November 13, 2025 at 4:34 PM
The Rank's took it on in 1959 until 1964, and from there became the Top Rank Bingo Club. I imagine many of you will actually know it as the Blue Monkey nightclub though, the origin of makina and inspiration for nearly every meme about the North East.