St Peter's Church, Monkwearmouth

About St Peter's Church, Monkwearmouth

St Peter's was founded in 674 by Benedict Biscop on land granted by King Egfrith of Northumbria, and with St Paul's, Jarrow, formed the double monastery of Monkwearmouth-Jarrow. Bede was placed here as a boy of seven to be educated. Biscop's west wall and the barrel-vaulted porch survive from the first church, and later storeys raised the porch into the present tower by the end of the 10th century.

The church is Grade I listed, part of a scheduled monument and still the parish church of Monkwearmouth. Inside are a 13th-century north aisle, a 14th-century east window and 1969 stained glass of northern saints by Leonard Evetts. After an arson attack in 1984 the interior was rebuilt with an exhibition area. Volunteer guides are usually available on weekday mornings and early afternoons, Bede's Bakehouse cafe opens on some weekdays, and groups of ten or more should book through the Parish Office.

Featured in These Guides

Blog posts and guides that feature St Peter's Church, Monkwearmouth.

St Peter's Church, Monkwearmouth and the Venerable Bede

The story of St Peter's, Monkwearmouth: Benedict Biscop's monastery of 674, the boyhood of Bede, the books made here, the layers of the building and how to visit today.