The former garden of Bensham Grove (HER 8251). There are several quotations from the Watson family who lived there relating to the garden: "My life at this time was a very idle one. It was hot summer weather and the temptations to loiter in the garden and eat gooseberries with Emily were too great to resist". "Our large garden - two and a half acres I think - was a great joy. Here we played Hide and Seek, climber trees and learned to drop from a great height" {Mary}. "..we played tennis a good deal… a new acquisition for us…". "When I was five years old I planted laburnum seeds… hoping the tree would grow quickly so that I could climb it. I also grew a few (very few) wild strawberries… these when ripe were carefully collected on a saucer and with perhaps 1d I bought cream and gave them to mother" {Mary}{1}. In the early 20th century, the chronicle describes this ‘picturesque garden’ as being one of its [Bensham Grove’s] most valuable and beautiful assets’. These grounds were originally all part of the gardens to Bensham Grove, home to the Watson (later Spence Watson) family, but are now predominantly given over to a public park. The lie of the land slopes gently towards the west, so that when the landscaping was created, as well as providing a lush and picturesque setting for the house, it would have afforded remarkable views in this direction. This is acknowledged in 2 advertisements To Be Let in the early 19th century – “commands a fine view of the vales of Ravensworth and Tyne”. These advertisements also describe ‘an extensive garden, well stocked with fruit and other trees’ and ‘a vinery, heated by steam &c’. When established, therefore, it had obviously enjoyed considerable investment, and the fashion for growing tender plants in glasshouses followed.
This description, together with the evidence from the 1st edition Ordnance Survey mapping, gives an interesting overall picture of the gardens. There appears to have been a kitchen garden to the immediate north west of the house, with a glasshouse in the corner of this plot. The attractive, enclosing orange brick walling surviving in this area supports this interpretation, with its inviting archway providing access as well as framing views. Further to the north west of this, further formally laid out plots could be an extension of the kitchen garden and/or an orchard. To the south, the land is open, with a small group of trees (possibly with aspirations to a modest arboretum) off-set from the centre, and a strong south-western boundary of what appear to be substantial mature trees. It is likely that a wild garden may have been located in this area, however, as it is recorded that the family picked wild strawberries. To the front of the house at this time the arrangement is rather informal, with a few scattered trees.
During the later 19th century, it may well have been influenced by the naturalistic landscaping at Saltwell Towers, as Robert Spence Watson was doing work to house around the time Saltwell Park was opened, as well as unveiling a stature there.
Even at this time, whilst the Spence Watsons were in residence, the garden was enjoyed by many, as the family were known for entertaining people from all walks of life, and it was therefore a valuable green space in a densely built-up, industrialised area. A later letter to the editor of The Friend (a Quaker journal) describes how ‘with its large garden set in the midst of an overcrowded district, Bensham Grove can yet continue to make a valuable contribution to the social life of a town which is lacking in beauty’. When the Bensham Grove Settlement was established in 1919, the aim was ‘to provide a centre for educational, social and recreational activities’, and the garden played a significant part in this aim. The initial proposals for the Settlement suggest that ‘the garden would be invaluable for rest and recreation, and might be used for teaching the beast methods of working allotments’ and the first Warden’s Report asserts – ‘our garden offers great attractions to our neighbours of all ages.’ The ideals of the proposals were realised, as staff from Armstrong College gave lectures on gardening, and members of the men’s club were able to work plots in the garden, learning valuable skills. The garden was the setting for tennis (1 court was present at this time, although there were plans to introduce another as it was so popular), and it seems there were regular football matched every weekend. The gardens were used for summer fetes and many other gatherings, and, interestingly, open-air drama productions by the group of amateur players who were based at the Settlement. Photographs surviving from these events appear to show that the trees in front of the house had been cleared to make way for an open lawn, but that there were still some substantial trees, probably those to the south west boundary. In January 1937 guidelines were prepared for the allocation and care of the gardens, which argue that unemployed men only should be given the opportunity to apply for a plot. This clearly indicates the value of the resource in an area where unemployment was a problem. They mention greenhouses, shrubs, lawns and paths, and an earlier report also mentions seeds, plants, bulbs and garden chairs – indicating that aesthetic and leisure aspects as well as food production were considered important.
Species now present are mainly deciduous, including silver birch, beech and ash (?), but there is a fine holly tree near to the house itself. The current feel is of a modest, informal park, providing valuable open space to the local area and, importantly, an attractive setting to the Listed house. It would be positive if an opportunity arose to do detailed research on the historic garden design, and the disparate parts of the garden reunited as part of a restoration programme. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
When the Settlement was first establishes, an initial trial with local youths tending the kitchen garden, was found to be unsatisfactory in terms of productivity, and so the responsibility for tending the gardens was passed onto the Men’s Club. During WWII an air raid shelter was built in the grounds. MATERIALS / SPECIES Brick walls, holly, silver birch, beech, ash DATES Established c1819 LOCAL LIST

Municipal park. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE could have been villa garden for Ryton Towers (HER 11938) mostly laid out in 1960s. Dene is of interest. There were boat trips to visit the garden from Newcastle up to the 1950s. LOCAL LIST

LOCAL LIST

This landscape was formerly the grounds to South Close Villa, built in 1862 for Mr Edward Eccles. LANDSCAPE DESIGNER John Greene architect of house DATES 1862 (plans) LOCAL LIST

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Recent years have seen the artist play an increasing role in the design of landscapes. The greatest concentration of artworks in the area is found in the Gateshead Riverside Sculpture Park to the west of the Tyne Bridge. Perhaps the best piece is "Rolling Moon" by Colin Rose, with its silver ball emerging above the trees as seen from the Metro and Newcastle Quayside. The park also boasts works by Richard Deacon, Maggie Howarth, Andy Goldsworthy, Richard harris, Sally Matthews and a temporary piece by David Tremlett {2}. Gateshead Council cleared an area of derelict and unusable buildings in the mid 1960s and created a park. The first artwork in 1982-86 was 'Bottle Bank' by Richard Harris, a sculpture of stone piers made from stone from the Old Harbour Master's house at North Shields and mild steel arches. It looks like an upturned boat hull and the adjacent bridges. Other artwork include 'Gravel Artwork' by David Tremlett in 1991, 'Goats' by Sally Matthews, 1992, a life size herd of gaots made from steel, cement and natural materials, 'Cone' by Andy Goldsworthy, 1990, 'Once Upon A Time' by Richard Deacon, 1992 and 'Phoenix' by Maggie Howarth, 1993 {3}. LOCAL LIST

Previously known as King George’s Field, the site also encompassed the grounds of Whickham House, later known as Whickham Chase. During the Second World War 1 acre of the site was given over to allotments to produce food for the war effort. DATES 1930s LOCAL LIST

The Birtley Cenotaph was formerly on the Gateshead local list with the following description:
Some of Tyne and Wear's smallest and simplest gardens are also amongst its most charming. Small gardens around war memorials are an especially poignant group. The war memorial is flanked by two pavilions and the whole is laid out in a formal arrangement {1}. Erected 1923. By Messrs Davidson & Son of Gosforth. Birtley war memorial was unveiled by Lieut-Colonel Philip Kirkup on 9th anniversary of the declaration of the First World War. A draw for War Savings Certificates raised £1,900 for the building of the Cenotaph and shelters. It was built of Heworth stone and the names of the 189 fallen were inscribed on bronze tablets on three sides. The memorial was re-dedicated in 1950 when the names of those who had died in the Second World War were added. The names of those who died in Korea 1951-53 and the Gulf 1991 have subsequently been added. DESCRIPTION This long, shallow garden has at its centre a sandstone cenotaph memorial with bronze plaques to each face. The front face has a commemorative inscription with names engraved to the other faces. Each side has a carved cross with a wreath and festoon. The surrounding garden has low brick walls with stone copings with concavely curved sections to accommodate the rising ground. To the front these are topped with very simple railings. The substantial brick gate piers to the entrance have stone plinths above the base and decorative capstones with cornice detail. They have been largely renewed. The steps leading to the cenotaph have a section of wall to each side. The 2 shelters which flank the memorial have low brick plinths with extensive glazing consisting of very small, narrow panes above and semi-glazed central timber doors (pale blue). The corners have timber posts, and the clay tiled roof has decorative ridge tiles with plumes to the termini. Large curved timber brackets support the eaves. MATERIALS Heworth burnstone, bronze ARCHITECT Davidson & Son; Bolam, Simpson & Bolam (builders); H Walker & Sons (manufacturer) DATES 04/08/1923 (unveiled) 12/11/1950 (additions unveiled) STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE This land was previously a portion of Constable’s Garth, and was a gift of the Birtley Freeholders and Mr A R Fleet for the erection of a memorial to the war dead. The last name to be added was that of John Thompson who was cleared of desertion after a 17 year campaign by his sister. The money was raised through a prize draw and private donations. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A meeting was held on 28/01/1919 to discuss the erection of a memorial. It was decided to erect a cenotaph and 2 public shelters. LISTED GRADE II

This war memorial was formerly on the Gateshead local list with the following description:
Unveiled on Oct 22nd 1921, this is a small, triangular shaped memorial garden with a polished granite memorial column in the centre. The monument was erected at a cost of £275 by public subscription. The low wall and railings were erected shortly after the ceremony by Stella Coal Company. The column is square on plan with a stepped base. Above it is a cornice below a triangulated capstone, topped by a decorative, draped urn. To the front (north) face WWI deaths are commemorated, with WWII deaths commemorated on a side (east) face. A cherry (?) tree grows between the memorial and one of the surrounding walls, which are of brick with concrete copings. Low, white painted iron railings with decorative details top the walls. There are small, robust stone gate piers to the entrance.
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
The memorial garden is very small, but makes an important contribution to the Conservation Area in which it is set. It has its own unique character created by the singular shape of the plot and the combination of treatments to the boundary which are only semi-formal – the whole composition being a peaceful setting for the memorial. The stone is unusual and of high quality, with the urn carving well-executed. It creates a small oasis within the village, and the seat outside enables people to enjoy the space. Restored 2008. LISTED GRADE II

Steep sided wooded dene on the eastern edge of Blaydon Bank Conservation Area. Has a secluded character. Has suffered from misuse and vandalism. Contains a Cowen fountain (HER 7595). STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
This attractive natural feature enhances the local area greatly, and has long been used as a recreational opportunity. Historically there was a quarry to the southern end, but this was gradually incorporated within the leisure space. It is a deeply incised dene, sloping steeply from the southern entrance, with dense tree cover and some shrub planting beneath in an informal arrangement. On the historic mapping there are representations of different tree forms, indicating that the character of trees was historically wide ranging, and included evergreens as well as deciduous trees, and probably broadleaf species as well as smaller ones. In the summer, when the trees are in leaf, they form quite a dense canopy overhead, so that the highly built-up area surrounding is all but shut out – creating a quiet woodland effect. Whilst its recreational potential seems to have been exploited for as long as there have been inhabitants nearby, the site appears to have been subject to the landscaping efforts of the Edwardians, as there is a distinct change shown on the 3rd edition OS map from the 2nd edition. Some wonderful old photographs show a well-tended space, with the trees opened out to some degree, and the mapping shows that the tree belt had been extended further down the dene (perhaps as a restoration of what was understood as the historic extent of tree cover). A network of paths was woven through the dene, creating sunlit walkways, and benches sited at the edges offered restful spots for elegant ladies and excited children. Bridges and shelters were provided in the popular ‘rustic’ style, fashioned out of unworked branches lathed together in a lattice form. The areas between the paths were terraced, and planted with ornamental flowerbeds and rockeries. All appears very clean and neat, which is a disappointing contrast to the present situation, as the dene is now extremely vulnerable to vandalism and litter problems. In particular, the Cowen fountain has been extensively targeted and is in poor condition. Some railings (of different forms) remain to parts of the perimeter, which are likely to date from the Edwardian period, but the bridges and shelters have gone. The dene has long served the recreational needs of the local population, and it will surely make a positive contribution to this, as well as the historic, landscape and wildlife interest of the area, into the future. The dene was the location of a warden’s post during WWII. FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS
The dene is a great asset to the area, and a very attractive feature. However, presently its contribution is compromised to some extent by the problems presented by litter and vandalism. Investigation into possible solutions to these problems would not only be most welcome, and ensure that the dene remains an attractive space into the future, but also encourage greater appreciation and use of it as a resource by the local community. DATES Landscaped early 20th century? LOCAL LIST