The twin monastery of Wearmouth-Jarrow was amongst the first major stone buildings to be created in England since the Romans left, almost 300 years earlier. Their founder, Benedict Biscop, had to bring masons over from France to do the work; it took a year to build the shell of St. Peter's at Wearmouth, using iron tools and no technology more advanced than foot-powered lathes and mortar mixers turned by hand.
The monastic buildings were built 'in the Roman manner' – based on the monasteries that Biscop had seen on his six travels through Europe. The influence of Wearmouth-Jarrow's builders would spread first across Northumbria, then throughout the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms – even, by request of the King of the Picts, into Scotland.
See how old St. Peter's and St. Paul's are in comparison to national, international and religious landmarks.
Take the guided tour or wander around the twin monastery as it was in the 7th Century. Experience the majestic twin monastery...
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