Royal guest backs World Heritage bid

Wednesday 21 May 08

His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester has today, Friday 16 May, given his official support to the Wearmouth-Jarrow Nomination for World Heritage Site Status.
The Duke was guest of honour at an event held at St Peter’s Church to launch the public consultation on the nomination plan. In front of an audience of invited supporters and volunteers, HRH became the first to sign The Book of Life, a new “manuscript” which will be used to record public comments and support for the bid.
The twin Anglo-Saxon monastery of Wearmouth-Jarrow has been chosen as the UK’s nomination for World Heritage Site status in 2010. The site centres on two churches, St Peter’s, Sunderland and St Paul’s, Jarrow and was created by Benedict Biscop in the 7th century. It was home to the Venerable Bede, Europe’s greatest 8th century scholar.
The site is also home to the largest collection of rare 7th century window glass in Europe and the only surviving 7th century building fabric in Europe.
Rt Rev Mark Bryant is Bishop of Jarrow and chairs the Wearmouth-Jarrow Partnership, he said: "The purpose of this event was to bring supporters and volunteers together to learn more about the historic site and find out how they can help the Wearmouth-Jarrow Partnership secure the nomination for 2010. To have HRH The Duke of Gloucester give his official support is a huge boost for the Nomination and we would now like to ask local people to get behind the bid and ensure world wide recognition for this historic site.”