Calling all local history lovers

Amateur historians have the chance to take part in a new project investigating the old pubs of Sunderland.

The Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme is calling all local history lovers to get involved in finding out more about the pubs and customers of the city's past.

Volunteers are being recruited to investigate old Census returns, explore image archives, and listen to stories passed down through word of mouth.

Anyone can volunteer, with no experience necessary and all training provided, the project will provide a fun way to learn more about the history of Sunderland.

Those who to take part can expect to examine historical entries in trade directories, look through old newspapers and reports, and use historic maps to spot changes.

The information will be used to produce fact sheets on historic buildings for use in local studies and to be made available online. Research on listed buildings will also be sent to Historic England for the 'Enrich the List' project

Councillor Linda Williams, Cabinet Member for Vibrant City at Sunderland City Council, said: "This is a great opportunity to dig into our city's past by exploring more about some of the buildings that have historically brought people together.

"It has been great to see a range of volunteers involved in the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme so far, and I would encourage anyone with an interest in local history to get involved and help the team to piece together more of Sunderland's stories."

Volunteers have already helped to create the Bishopwearmouth Village Atlas, which was published in October 2020, and a new volunteer crafting group is working on a Bishopwearmouth Banner to hang in Sunderland Minster while learning embroidery skills supported by Cultural Creatives CIC.

The volunteering scheme has offered work experience placements to 30 young people from Sunderland College pursuing a career in construction and offered placements for 13 young people learning media skills.

The Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme is a heritage-led regeneration programme in Sunderland city centre that focuses on repairing historic buildings, improving public spaces and hosting events and activities to promote the history of the area.

Sunderland City Council was awarded £1.9m in funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme in 2018. This combined with contributions from the owners and tenants will see an expected £3m invested in the Minster Quarter through the five-year scheme.

So far it has seen Grant aided restoration works at The Peacock, The Dun Cow, Sunderland Minster Churchyard and the rear wall of the Gibson Almshouses, with work in progress on The Rabbit and more planned for the coming years.

The scheme is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Sunderland City Council until 2023.

To find out more information on the project or to volunteer, email Caitlin.osborne@tdrheritage.co.uk or call 07889790332.