Penshaw Monument

The Penshaw Monument was built between 1844 and 1845 to commemorate John Lambton, 1st Earl of Durham, who died in 1840. It resembles a Greek temple, specifically the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, on top of a small hill, and it is visible for miles around.


This does mean it is a bit of a trek to the top, but there is a small town, Penshaw, to the southwest, and you can park there. Although it is further than the official car park, you are already halfway up the hill.


This is the view looking towards Durham. The large flat green area of the left used to be Herrington Colliery. The town beyond that is Houghton-le-Spring.


And towards Sunderland - the North Sea is just visible on the horizon at the right. The white spike middle-right is the tower of the bridge where the A19 crosses the Wear.


Inside the monument. It never had a roof. The columns are hollow, and one has a door in it, allowing access to the top. 


At one time visitors could walk around the top. I get the impression this was not trivial, and in 1926 a teenager fell to his death, and it has been closed since.

Back down the hill, and the other advantage of parking in Penshaw is the two pubs. The Monument was closed.


But the Grey Horse was open and did us a good lunch.






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