Duke’s backing for world heritage bid

May 19 2008 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

THE North East’s bid for a third world heritage site has been backed by the Duke of Gloucester. The twin Anglo-Saxon Wearmouth-Jarrow monastery site has been chosen for nomination by the UK in 2010 and the Duke was guest of honour at an event held at St Peter’s Church in Sunderland to launch the public consultation on the nomination plan.

He became the first to sign The Book of Life, a new "manuscript" which will be used to record public comments and hopefully support for the bid.

The site centres on two churches – St Peter’s and St Paul’s in Jarrow, which 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 7th Century window glass in Europe and the only surviving 7th Century building fabric in Europe.

Rt Rev Mark Bryant, Bishop of Jarrow who chairs the Wearmouth-Jarrow Partnership, 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 the Duke of Gloucester give his support is a huge boost for the nomination and we would now like to ask local people to get behind the bid and ensure worldwide recognition for this site."

People wishing to register their support for the bid should go to www.wearmouth-jarrow.org.uk.

Meanwhile, at the weekend, the president of Friends of the Lake District, Lord Judd, delivered a call to seize the opportunities afforded by its nomination as a world heritage site.

He was speaking at the society’s AGM at Windermere on Saturday.

He said: "In the Lake District we have a priceless asset – an inheritance with outstanding character, history and beauty. The landscape is famed across the world. Yet we are in danger of eroding it. Litter, insensitive commercial developments, agricultural waste and philistine proposals for grotesquely sited energy developments are amongst the threats.

"We must have alternative energy. But surely we can insist that wind farms and their distribution systems are sited with priority commitment to preserving the wonders of the countryside."

He added: "A glorious Cumbria, which provides unrivalled, treasured contrast with the monolithic suburban culture creeping across the UK, will be an invaluable element in the attraction of the North West region as a whole."