St. Andrew's Cemetery, grave of John Hall

John Hall (1824-1899) was a ship owner and philanthropist. He was born in Pilgrim Street above his father's carver and gilder's shop. He attended the Royal Grammar School then worked as an office boy on the Quayside. At the age of 27 he became a merchant and ship owner. He acquired a wooded estate in Sweden from which he imported timber. He formed a business with his brother at the Royal Arcade. The Hall brothers were said to be the first ship owners on Tyneside to switch from sail to steam. In 1897 John Hall donated £100,000 towards the rebuilding of the Royal Victoria Infirmary for Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee. He chose the site next to Castle Leazes. He died at 3 Ellison Place. His oak coffin was made of wood from the old belfry of St. Nicholas Cathedral. A stained glass window in the south aisle of the chancel is dedicated to his memory. He is buried with his father, mother, brother James and his wife. The vault is decorated by a stone obelisk.