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A prominent feature of old Hartlepool, St Hilda's Church was built in the late twelfth century but the south doorway shows, 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. Like most ancient churches, St Hilda's contains architecture of different periods and styles but the nave and tower are the oldest sections.

There was a monastery, founded by St Aidan, on the Headland as early as AD 640. 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 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 which lasted for many generations. It is generally believed that St Hilda's was built by the grandson of Robert and Agnes, Robert de Brus IV - hence the Bruce Chapel and Tomb.