Church Of St Paul

The Church of St Paul is a Grade I listed parish church located on Church Bank in Jarrow. Originally two separate churches, it is part of the monastery of St Paul, founded between 681 and 682 with a gift from King Ecgfrith to Benedict Biscop, the Abbot of Wearmouth. The church was dedicated in 685, and a dedication stone from the basilica is now positioned in the nave over the arch leading to the tower. The eastern Saxon church is represented by the current chancel, while the tower is Norman but may include some Saxon materials. The present nave, which was rebuilt in 1782, served as the former basilica. Significant alterations and additions were made in 1866, including a large north aisle and north porch designed by George Gilbert Scott, with further restoration occurring in 1972.

The nave is constructed of snecked sandstone with a plinth, while the tower and chancel are made of coursed sandstone blocks, some of which are re-used Roman stones. The roofs are covered with graduated Cumbrian slates on the nave and lead on the chancel, featuring flat stone gable copings. The church includes a nave, north aisle, and west and north porches, with the tower connecting the nave and chancel. The chancel also has a vestry on the north-west side. Inside, there are five bays in the aisle arcade, and the tower features a groined vault at the first floor. Part of the foundations of the north wall of the basilica is exposed under glass in the nave. The north porch contains sculptures and balusters from the earlier building, and the east window was created by L C Evetts.