Ashbrooke is a residential area of Sunderland, North East England directly south and south-west of the city centre. Ashbrooke developed through the Victorian era as Sunderland's first suburb. Originally occupied by large middle-class families, including much of Wearside's Jewish population, a fair number of the larger residences have been reorganised into dwel…Ashbrooke is a residential area of Sunderland, North East England directly south and south-west of the city centre. Ashbrooke developed through the Victorian era as Sunderland's first suburb. Originally occupied by large middle-class families, including much of Wearside's Jewish population, a fair number of the larger residences have been reorganised into dwellings of multiple occupancy, home to the local University of Sunderland's students and young professionals.