Modern day Sunderland is on the site of the three original settlements of Monkwearmouth, Bishopwearmouth and Sunderland which is modern day Hendon. Sunderland grew as a port trading coal and salt and ship building began in the 14th century. The river Wear runs through the heart of the city and Sunderland has been awarded various titles by the Britain in Bloom group because of its commitment to preserving it natural assets. Attractions in an around the city include the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, the National Glass Centre, the Penshaw. Monument and the Souter Lighthouse. The latter was the first electrically powered lighthouse in the world. The city hosts a number of annual events such as the Sunderland International Airshow, the largest British Remembrance Day memorial outside London and a Christmas market of Germna food and German made wooden products. Sunderland also boasts the Sunderland Empire - largest theatre in the north east and thus able to stage West End shows. The citys economy has declined in the recent past but there have been efforts at rejuvenation; the arrival of Roy Keane as Sunderland AFCs manager has inadvertently boosted tourism
Suburbs include Ashbrook, Castletown, Doxford Park, Easington Lane, Farringdon, Ford Estate, Fulwell, Gilley Law, Grangetown, Grindon, Hastings Hill, Hendon, Herriington, Monwearmouth, Pallion, Pennywell, Penshaw, Redhouse Roker, Ryhope, Seaburn, Shiney Row, Silksworth, South Hylton, Southwick, Thorney Close, Tunstall, Warden Law and Washington
Sunderland Hotel, Sunderland Bed and Breakfast, Sunderland Cheap Hotel accommodation suitable for a Sunderland Weekend Break, a Sunderland City Break, Sunderland Wedding Accommodation, Sunderland Guys Night out, Sunderland Girls Night out or even a Sunderland Stag Night or a Sunderland Hen Night