Monument To George Hawks

The monument to George Hawks, dated 1865, is a Grade II listed stone structure located on the north side of Bensham Road. It features a standing figure dressed in mayoral robes and chain, holding a scroll. This figure stands on a stepped base atop an inscribed shaft with a deep cornice, which rests on a square plinth with chamfered corners. The inscriptions on the monument state: "FIRST MAYOR 1801-1863. ERECTED BY HIS FRIENDS AND BY THE WORKMEN OF GATESHEAD IRON WORKS, OF WHICH HE WAS THE SENIOR PARTNER." Historically, Hawks's Iron Works was responsible for casting 5,050 tons of iron for Stephenson's High Level Bridge.