Built in the late twelfth century, St Hilda's contains architecture of different periods and styles. The nave and tower are the oldest sections although the south doorway indicates in its decoration that it belonged to an earlier Norman church, probably erected in the time of Robert de Brus II, founder of Guisborough Priory.
As far back AD 640 we find there was a monastery, founded by St Aidan, on the Headland. The first abbess was St Bega. In 648 she was succeeded by St Hilda. Hilda remained here for ten years and then proceeded to Whitby, where she died in 680.
The original Hartlepool monastery was destroyed by Danish raiders in about 800.
Among the knights who came with William the Conqueror in 1066 was Robert de Brus. His son married Agnes, the daughter of the Lord of the Manor at Hart, thus starting a connection with Hartlepool lasting for many generations. It is generally thought that St Hilda's was built Robert de Brus IV, the grandson of Robert and Agnes - hence the Bruce Chapel and Tomb.
