Earl of Durham's Monument

The Earl of Durham's Monument is a Grade I listed structure designed in the form of a Greek temple, built to honor John George Lambton, the first Earl of Durham, who served as Governor-General of Canada and was Grand Master of the Order of Freemasons. Erected in 1844 through private funding, it was designed by John and Benjamin Green from Newcastle and constructed by Thomas Pratt from Sunderland.

The monument features ashlar stonework and consists of four rows of seven Doric columns set on a stylobate. It has end pediments but lacks a roof. This structure is a significant example of the Greek revival style in the area and serves as a prominent landmark visible from many miles away.

Historical accounts suggest that the design is inspired by the Temple of Theseus, although it is twice the size of the original. The Theseion in Athens has six columns by thirteen, and while the columns of the Earl of Durham's Monument are double the size, the overall proportions appear taller.