Grey's Monument — Attraction in Newcastle upon Tyne

Grade I listed monument. It was built in 1838 in recognition of Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1830 to 1834. It celebrates the passing of the Great Reform Act of 1832, one of Grey's most important legislative achievements. Total height of 133 ft.(41 mts) Designed by architect, Benjamin Green, and the statue sculptor, Edward Hodges Baily. The monument was built on shallow foundations and the column can sway up to 30 cm (12 in) in the wind. A helical staircase with 164 steps leads to a viewing platform at the top of the monument, which is occasionally opened to the public. During a thunderstorm on 25 July 1941, the head of the statue, which weighed around 102 kg (225 lb) was knocked off by a bolt of lightning and fell onto the tram lines below the monument. One of the statue's arms and a portion of the cloak were...

Charles Grey, an early British politician made a wide-reaching mark on history. Prime Minister from 1830–34, Grey was an advocate for the poor and social reform. He will be remembered most for the Reform Act of 1832, which was a pivotal law that increased voting rights to members of the commons and enabled people who had been voiceless — to have a voice. This was just the beginning. Grey, never fond of his self-imposed mandate for equality pushed him to pass the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833 which saw slavery abolished across most of the British Empire. Though his longevity in office was somewhat curtailed by internal disputes, Grey's legacy endures as one of the most influential British prime ministers revered for spending time attempting to avert civil unrest and drive forward...

This impressive 134ft Doric column stands in the centre of Newcastle's bustling shopping district, close to a metro station and the Eldon Square Shopping Centre. Built in 1838, it's topped with a statue of Charles, the 2nd Earl Grey and Prime Minister from 1830 to 1834, and commemorates his Great Reform Act of 1832 that enabled more people to vote. It's obviously a popular place for people to meet and hang out, and I found it a very useful landmark when finding my way around the city centre. There are guided tours to the top of the column in the spring and summer, but disappointingly not when I was there! There are grand and ornate buildings and lots of fine shops around the monument. Well...