Sunderland was famous for shipbuilding, engineering, glass and coal. The banks of the River Wear were crowded with shipyards, kilns, coal staiths, merchants' yards, and docks. The city authorities evidently do not regard this as a proud heritage, having strived to eliminate traces of those industries. Fortunately, excellent displays relating to Sunderland's industrial history may be found in Sunderland Museum. The National Glass Centre is worth a visit, and has good displays and presentations relating to the glass industry.

Sunderland was made up from 3 places (Monkwearmouth, Bishopwearmouth and Sunderland) - much of the present Sunderland city centre was historically Bishopwearmouth. The real Sunderland was a place further to the east, still on the south side of the river, but closer to the river mouth.^[1]

See also Sunderland Shipyards