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Penshaw Monument in Sunderland.

Durham, Houghton le Spring, Penshaw Monument July 2007.

The Penshaw Monument stands high on a hill in Houghton-le-Spring, Durham. It is well worth a visit if only for the spectacular view from the hill-top. It is a little bit of a hike, but within most able-bodied capabilities.

The monument was built in memory of the Earl of Durham - John George Lambton, and the inscription reads:-

This stone was laid by Thomas, Earl of Zetland, Grandmaster of the Free and Accepted Masons of England, assisted by the Brethren of the Provinces of Durham and Northumberland, on August 28th 1844 being the Foundation Stone of a memorial to be erected to the memory of John George, Earl of Durham, who after representing the County of Durham in Parliament for 15 years was raised to the Peerage, and subsequently held the offices of Lord Privy Seal, Ambassador-Extraordinary and Minister of the Court of Petersburg and Governor-General of Canada. He died July 28th 1840, in the 49th year of his age. This monument will be erected by the private subscriptions of his fellow countrymen, admirers of his distinguished talents and exemplary private virtues.

The Penshaw Monument is based on Greek architecture, comprising of 18 Doric columns, and was designed by John and Benjamin Green of Newcastle, and built by John Pratt of Sunderland.

As with the Angel of the North, this monument - due to its hilltop location - is seen for many miles around.

Durham, Houghton le Spring, Penshaw Monument, Mike and Jen climbing off the Monument	Durham, Houghton le Spring, Penshaw Monument, Mike and Jen in the Monument
Durham, Houghton le Spring, Penshaw Monument, view from the monument	Durham, Houghton le Spring, Penshaw Monument, view from the monument
Durham, Houghton le Spring, Penshaw Monument, view from the monument	Durham, Houghton le Spring, Penshaw Monument, view from the monument
Durham, Houghton le Spring, Penshaw Monument, view from the monument	Durham, Houghton le Spring, Penshaw Monument, view from the monument
Durham, Houghton le Spring, Penshaw Monument, view through the pillars	Durham, Houghton le Spring, Penshaw Monument, Walk up the HIll - Jen
Durham, Houghton le Spring, Penshaw Monument, Walk up the Hill, near the summit