Earl of Durham's Monument

This list entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 29/06/2020

NZ35SW 4/47

HOUGHTON-LE-SPRING Penshaw HILL LANE Earl of Durham's Monument

(Formerly listed as Penshaw Monument)

26.4.50

G.V. I

Monument, in form of Greek temple, in memory of John George Lambton, first Earl of Durham (1792-1840), Governor-General of Canada and Grand Master of the Order of Freemasons. Erected 1844, by private subscription, to design of John and Benjamin Green of Newcastle; builder Thomas Pratt of Sunderland.

Ashlar, 4 x 7 columns. Doric order on stylobate. End pediments, no roof. An important manifestation of the Greek revival in the region, and a prominent landmark, visible for many miles around.

Historical note: contemporary accounts describe it as being based on the Temple of Theseus but twice the size; the Theseion at Athens is 6 columns by 13, and while the measurements of its columns are double the monument appears proportionately taller.

Listing NGR: NZ3340154378