Holy Trinity Church, Sunderland

2013-06-26

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).