Holy Trinity Church, Sunderland

A bright and beautiful city church

This handsome brick and stone church was built in 1718-19, perhaps designed by William Etty, who certainly played a part in fitting out the interior. Then in a quiet situation on the edge of a lively and vigorous port; now, again, it is surrounded by open spaces. In 1735 the apse and its 'Venetian' window were added, the west gallery and a new roof in about 1803, but many of the 1719 furnishings remain.

The interior is brightly lit through large clear windows and has many appealing features: the striking baroque chancel arch; an elegant font with a richly ornamented cover; west end stalls for constables, overseers and sidesmen; the fine memorial to the Revd Robert Gray (1838).

Holy Trinity Church is currently undergoing an ambitious £4.3 million restoration project to conserve and regenerate this hugely significant Grade I listed building. The project will reconnect the city with its past, and Holy Trinity will be transformed into a new venue for culture, heritage and learning called Seventeen Nineteen, where the stories of Old Sunderland are brought to life through interpretation, events and performances. Find out more about Seventeen Nineteen here.