Hedley Tombs About One Metre South Of Church Of St Michael And All Angels

The Hedley tombs, located about one metre south of the Church of St. Michael and All Angels in Newburn, consist of three headstones set within a walled enclosure. These tombs commemorate members of the Hedley family who died between 1813 and 1888. The central headstone is made of pink granite and rests on a sandstone base, flanked by two sandstone headstones, all enclosed by a low sandstone wall. The sandstone headstones have shaped tops and chamfered bases. The left headstone is inscribed to Thomas of Newburn, who died in 1813, and his wife Mary, who died in 1820. The right headstone commemorates William, who died in 1843, and his wife Frances, who died in 1836, along with their family. The central slab features a pediment and commemorates Thomas, a barrister from Newcastle, who was the second son of William and Frances, and died in 1877, along with his brothers, George and William of Burnhopeside Hall, Durham. Notably, William Hedley, who died in 1843, was a pioneer in the development of railway locomotive engines; he demonstrated that smooth wheels could adhere to iron rails and built "Puffing Billy" in 1813 for use on the Wylam waggonway.