History and Heritage...

North East England was once occupied by the Romans who built the huge Hadrian's Wall across the country to separate England and Scotland. The best place to view the remains is in Segedunum Roman Fort which marks the eastern end of Hadrian's Wall in Wallsend, or at Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum in South Shields.

One of the North East's most prominent landmarks; Penshaw Monument was modelled on the Temple of Theseus in Athens, and was built in 1844 in honour of the first Earl of Durham, John George Lambton.

Castle Keep and The Cathedral Church of St Nicholas are two beautiful buildings located in the oldest and most historic heart of Newcastle city. Built between 1168-1178 during the reign of Henry II, The Castle Keep is a Grade I listed building which overlies the earlier Roman fort of Pons Aelius (pons - latin for bridge, Aelius - family name of Emperor Hadrian) and is one of the finest examples of a Norman Keep in the country. The top of the castle keep boasts fantastic views of the Quayside and city centre and it's well worth climbing the steps to the top!

George Stephenson, the railway pioneer, was a local engineer and the Stephenson Railway Museum bears his name. The museum features many engines and provides a fascinating insight into the history of railways from the early days of steam to the present.

South Tyneside was once home to medieval Europe's greatest scholar, the Venerable Bede, who lived and worked in the twin monastery of St Peter and St Paul of Wearmouth-Jarrow. The life of the Venerable Bede is celebrated at Bede's World, an impressive museum which explains what life was like for Bede and his fellow monks. This unique attraction will entrance visitors with its blend of history, visual and hands on displays, Christian Heritage and farm life.

Sunderland's history and culture were formed by its connection to the sea and by the industry and endeavour of its people. The Anglo-Saxon church of St Peter's at Monkwearmouth is one of the UK's first stone built churches. Built in 674AD, the tower and west wall are original Saxon features and the church also has on display fragments of the oldest stained glass in the country, made by 7th Century European craftsmen. Together with its twin monastery, St Paul's in Jarrow, St Peter's will be the UNESCO 2010 UK nomination for World Heritage status.