Plans proposed to refresh the obelisk honoring Ralph Gardner, a 17th-century North Shields reformer known for challenging trade control.
This monument stands on Chirton Green in North Shields. People built it in 1882 to celebrate Ralph Gardner’s life. He was a local troublemaker back then.
Gardner went to jail in 1652 after refusing to close his brewery. Newcastle tried to control trade in North Shields. Gardner escaped and asked Oliver Cromwell for reform.
His paper, “England’s Grievance Discovered,” aimed to curb Newcastle’s trade power. While it failed in its primary objective, Blyth and Sunderland later got ports.
The obelisk is in rough shape, with wear and water damaging the sandstone. It looks structurally sound, though weathering and fading also mark it.
Ralph Gardner is historically important because he fought for those with less power. He exposed unfair prisons and trade control. This information comes from the report.
Renovation will help keep Gardner’s memory alive. His cottage was torn down, and the Ralph Gardner school closed in 1994. This project is hopefully a good solution.
The council officers haven’t decided yet, as they must still look at the application.