Penshaw Monument

Penshaw Monument is a Greek Revival structure with eighteen gritstone columns standing on a hilltop at about 136 meters elevation. The building measures 30 meters long, 16 meters wide, and 21 meters tall, offering views across the surrounding landscape.

Built between 1844 and 1845, the monument honors John Lambton, First Earl of Durham, who served as Governor-General of British North America. Its construction reflected the period's tradition of commemorating influential political leaders with grand structures.

The monument holds deep meaning in local identity and appears on the badge of Sunderland Football Club. It represents a strong connection to the North East region for people who live nearby.

A spiral staircase hidden inside one of the columns leads to a walkway at the top of the monument. Visitors should know the stairs are narrow and tight, requiring some physical fitness to climb.

The structure was designed to copy the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, with seven columns on the sides and four across the front. This classical design makes it a rare example of Greek architecture in the English landscape.

Location: Sunderland

Inception: 1844

Architects: John and Benjamin Green

Official opening: August 28, 1844

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

Elevation above the sea: 136 m

Height: 21 m

Length: 30 m

Width: 16 m

Made from material: gritstone

Website: https://nationaltrust.org.uk/penshaw-monument

GPS coordinates: 54.88310,-1.48087

Latest update: December 12, 2025 00:43