Penshaw Monument

i grew up in penshaw and hold this historic monument as something to be proud of, the views are beautiful throughout all seasons and well worth a special visit, definatly worth climbing the hill for even more so at night, and if you do happen to be alone you really feel on top of the world!! from a local to all those interested in landmarks - IT IS WORTH AN HOUR OF YOUR TIME!!! and remember to take your camera - you wont find views like it in the north ...

Built in 1844 as a half-sized pastiche of the renowned Theseum in Athens, Penshaw Monument dominates an otherwise seemingly unremarkable hill beside the A19 in much the same way as its younger relative the Angel of the North surveys Team Valley and the A1. Dating from an age when landmarks were built to the vanity of landowners and glory of patriotic heroes rather than at the behest of council bosses and government quangoes, the monument was paid for by public subscription and designed by the local architects John and Benjamin Green - who were also jointly responsible for Grey's Momument and the Theatre Royal in Newcastle - in honour of John George Lambton, Earl of ...