11 incredible photos of Grey’s Monument in Newcastle spanning over a century

After the Tyne Bridge, Grey’s Monument is perhaps Newcastle’s most famous landmarks.

Constructed in 1838, the city has changed and developed around the monument for nearly 200 years.

The monument is located on the junction of Grey, Grainger and Blackett Street bang in the centre of town and was built in recognition of Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, Prime Minister of the UK between 1830 to 1834.

Earl Grey represented Northumberland in Parliament from the age of 22 and in 1830 was invited to form a government and become Prime Minister. The monument also celebrates the Great Reform Act which Grey brought about. The act extended the right to vote.

In the 1920s there were calls to move the column to improve traffic flow.

Since 1838, the monument has watched over Newcastle and become a popular meeting place for Geordies.

It’s always felt like the heart of the city and has done for a long time.

But the world below has changed so much since its construction.

So here we have 11 amazing and historic photos of the monument and its surroundings over the decades and centuries.

Take a look and let us know your thoughts.

Do you think Monument is the heart of Newcastle?