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William Coulson Monument, Newcastle upon Tyne

A moving tribute in Newcastle honoring Colonel William Coulson’s pioneering humanitarian and animal welfare legacy.

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The William Coulson Monument in Newcastle upon Tyne honors Colonel William Lisle Blenkinsopp Coulson (1841–1911), a pioneering humanitarian and animal welfare advocate. Featuring a bronze bust by Arnold Rechberg atop a pink granite plinth with drinking troughs for horses, cattle, and dogs, the statue stands on Horatio Street overlooking the River Tyne. Originally unveiled in 1914 near the Haymarket, it was relocated due to traffic and now serves as a lasting tribute to Coulson’s compassionate legacy.

A brief summary to William Coulson Monument

  • 26, Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2BQ, GB
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit the monument to appreciate the bronze bust and unique drinking troughs designed for animals, reflecting Coulson’s compassion.
  • Explore nearby Quayside and Ouseburn to enjoy scenic views of the River Tyne while reflecting on the monument’s history.
  • Look for the lion head carvings on the fountain, which are believed to be from a Roman fountain near Corbridge.
  • Consider visiting the Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter, founded by Coulson, to connect with his ongoing legacy in animal welfare.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    Take the local bus routes 10 or 11 from Newcastle city center to the Ouseburn area; the journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Buses run frequently but check schedules for evening service. A single fare costs around £2.50 GBP.

  • Walking

    From Newcastle Quayside, it is a pleasant 15-minute walk to the monument along paved urban paths. The terrain is flat and accessible, suitable for wheelchair users and families.

  • Taxi

    A taxi ride from central Newcastle to Horatio Street takes about 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay approximately £6-£10 GBP. Taxis are readily available in the city center.

William Coulson Monument location weather suitability

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Discover more about William Coulson Monument

A Champion of Compassion and Animal Welfare

Colonel William Lisle Blenkinsopp Coulson was a notable 19th-century humanitarian and a forerunner of the modern animal rights movement. He was a founding member of the Humanitarian League, which campaigned against corporal and capital punishment, hunting for sport, and vivisection. Coulson’s dedication extended to founding the Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter, which remains active today. His life’s work was devoted to protecting the weak and defenseless among both humans and animals, earning him lasting respect in Newcastle and beyond.

The Monument’s Artistic and Functional Design

The monument features a bronze bust of Coulson, sculpted by the French artist Arnold Frederic Rechberg and cast by the Alexis Rudier foundry in Paris. It rests on a sandstone pedestal set upon a pink granite base. Uniquely, the monument incorporates two drinking troughs: a larger one for horses and cattle, and a smaller one for dogs, symbolizing Coulson’s concern for animal welfare. Bronze lion heads, added later, adorn the fountain, thought to be repurposed from a Roman fountain near Corbridge, adding historical depth to the site.

History of Location and Relocations

Unveiled on 27 May 1914 by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, the monument was originally sited near the Haymarket, close to the Boer War memorial. Due to increasing congestion, it was moved first to Percy Street in the 1930s and then to its current location on Horatio Street in the 1950s. Though the statue now faces the Sailors’ Bethel rather than the scenic River Tyne, it remains a prominent landmark within the city’s cultural landscape.

Legacy and Symbolism

The monument serves as a public reminder of Coulson’s noble character and tireless efforts on behalf of humane causes. The inscription on the statue honors his commitment to justice, pity, and education of higher impulses in society. The drinking fountain aspect of the memorial is a practical tribute to his belief in alleviating animal suffering, particularly from lack of water. The monument is Grade II listed, cementing its importance as part of Newcastle’s heritage.

The Coulson Family and Regional Roots

The Coulson family, through William’s marriage to Jane Blenkinsopp in the 18th century, inherited the Blenkinsop estate near Haltwhistle. William restored Blenkinsop Castle in the late 19th century, although much of the estate was sold due to financial difficulties. This connection grounds the monument not only in humanitarian ideals but also in the local history and landscape of Northumberland.

Visiting the Monument Today

Situated on Horatio Street near the Ouseburn and Newcastle Quayside, the monument is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into the city’s rich social history. It stands as a testament to one of Newcastle’s most compassionate sons, inviting reflection on the enduring importance of kindness to all living beings.

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