Grey's Monument

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Grey's Monument is a monument to Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey built in 1838 in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It was erected to acclaim Earl Grey for the passing of the Great Reform Act of 1832 and stands at the head of Grey Street. It consists of a statue of Lord Grey standing atop a 41 m high column. The monument lends its name to Monument Metro station, a station on the Tyne and Wear Metro located directly underneath, and to the Monument Mall Shopping Centre.

The wide base of the monument is a popular spot for people-watching, and often acts as a venue for buskers (most notably Apu with their andean music), religious speakers and political activists/protesters. During the recent Lecturer's Strike on 7th March 2006, a congregation of lecturers who were protesting against poor pay and working conditions, spent the day on and around the Monument with placards.

[edit] Inscription

"This column was erected in 1838 to commemorate the services rendered to his country by Charles Earl Grey K.G., who, during an active political career of nearly half a centry was the constant advocate of peace and the fearless and consistent champion of civil and religious liberty. He first directed his efforts to the amendment of the representation of the people in [1792] and was the minister by whose advice, and under whose guidance, the greate measure of parliamentary reform was, after an arduous and protracted struggle, safely and triumphantly achieved in the year 1832."

And on the opposite face: "After a centry of civil peace, the people renew their gratitute to the author of the great reform bill. 1932."