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ST BENET'S MONKWEARMOUTH |
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St Benet's Roman Catholic parish was established in 1865. The church was built and opened 24th July 1889. The priest then was Father Jules du Floer, a Belgian. He, like Benedict Biscop brought Flemish artisans to build the High altar which remains unchanged. The church was hemmed in by many buildings and the front of the church faced the river. Legend has it that they built it this way so that the poor of the parish would not be embarrassed by walking down Roker Avenue, which was deemed to be the "posh" area and the congregation from the south side of Roker Avenue were the rough "Barbary Coasters". The area round the church has changed now with slums demolished and a pleasant estate sloping down to the river. St Benet's has played a major part in mine and my family's life with most of them since the church opened until present day, being Baptised, Married and Buried from there |
