The statue of Earl Grey was struck by lightning in 1941, causing the head to fall off and be destroyed.
The current head on the statue is a replacement installed in 1948.
The monument was built using local sandstone from the nearby Gateshead area.
Earl Grey is the namesake of the famous tea blend, which was reportedly gifted to him by a Chinese mandarin.
During the late 19th century, the base of the monument was used as a public toilet before being converted into retail space.
The monument sits at the intersection of four major streets, forming the heart of the city's Victorian master plan.
Grey's Monument is a Grade I listed neoclassical column located in the center of Newcastle upon Tyne. It honors Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, who served as British Prime Minister from 1830 to 1834. The monument consists of a 135-foot high stone column topped by a statue of Earl Grey, sculpted by Edward Hodges Baily. It was erected in 1838 to commemorate the passage of the Great Reform Act of 1832. The structure stands at the junction of Grainger Street, Grey Street, and Blackett Street. It serves as a central meeting point for the city and marks the entrance to the historic Grainger Town area. The column was designed by architects John and Benjamin Green.
From the bottom of Grey Street looking upward to frame the monument against the curve of the Victorian buildings.
Visit during the occasional open days when the internal spiral staircase is accessible for a climb to the top.
Check the local city council website for 'Monument tours' if you wish to climb the column, as these are seasonal.
The area is a prime vantage point for people-watching in the heart of Newcastle's shopping district.
Do not expect to climb the monument on a whim, as the interior is closed to the public for most of the year.
Interior access via the spiral staircase is limited to pre-booked guided tours held on specific seasonal dates.
