Ropewalks were a striking feature in the 17th and 18th centuries, situated on the edge of town on both north and south sides of the river Wear, one
Derek Rowell at work at Sunderland Maritime Heritage, Church Street East. For more about this extraordinary volunteer effort see here.
The industrial settlement of Monkwearmouth Shore, hemmed in by ballast heaps, was largely demolished late in the 19th century.
The later 17th century records of goods imported and exported in Sunderland show existing industries expanding and new ones developing.
