Bede’s World at Jarrow, Tyne and Wear

Bede’s World in Jarrow will fill you in on the Venerable Bede (AD 673-735), named as the father of English history. There’s an interactive Age of Bede exhibition where you can learn about medieval monastic life and Bede, his books, and his ideas. Medieval monastic ruins, an herb garden, recreated timber buildings on a demonstration farm, and ancient manuscripts add up to an entertaining way to present the history of the times.

Bede entered the monastery at St Peter’s, Wearmouth, a twin part of the monastery at St Paul’s, Jarrow, when he was seven and was ordained as a deacon at the age of 19 and then as a priest when he was 30. By the time Bede was 59 years old he had written over 70 books. In 1899 he was recognized by the Pope Leo XIII as a Doctor of the Church.

He was a master of theology, astronomy, history, natural sciences, poetry, grammar and mathematics. Bede made popular the BC/AD date calculation for Easter. His ideas and knowledge were far ahead of their time.

The Anglo-Saxon demonstration farm on the site is an experimental project with plants grown that were used for food, medicine and building materials in Bede’s time. Reeds, hazel, willow, flax, peas, leeks, and onions are examples. Farm animals include sheep, pigs, oxen, and duck.

The reconstructed timber buildings include a thirlings hall. This was the main house among several and could have been one room around a hearth. A monastic workshop is also reconstructed. The herb garden has raised beds and is planted with Anglo-Saxon herbs. Some of these are lovage, thyme, sage, chervil, dill, nettles, betony, plantain, comfrey, and hyssop. Roses and lilies are also grown.

Jarrow Hall where the café is located at the site was built c1785 as a Georgian family home for Simon Temple. He made his money from ship building, coal mining and glass works. It is a Grade II listed building.

Next to the museum is St Paul’s Church and the monastery remains.

St Peter’s in Jarrow is the sister church of St Paul’s and the one where Bede lived as a young person.

Visitor Information

Note: Allow a minimum of two hours for your visit. It is a fascinating museum and site.

Bede’s World
Church Bank, Jarrow, near south end of Tyne tunnel (A19), south Tyneside
Tel. 0191 428 2361
Open: April-Oct, Mon-Sat, 10am-5.30pm, on Sun from noon; Nov-March, until 4.30 all days, opens at noon on Sun; last admission 1 hour before closing; open BH; church open Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun 2.30-4pm
Web: Bede’s World
Shop, café, exhibition; parking; special events; riverside walks

A great choice to get to Newcastle from London is by rail with East Coast Trains: advance return fares booked online start from £30 Standard Class or £104 First Class. Book via East Coast Trains or phone 0 8457 225 225, or visit any staffed station. London-Newcastle is a three hour journey. The journey is partly scenic, and the trains are clean and pleasant to relax in, leaving the driving to someone else.