Cowen Drinking Fountains

Fountain Gateshead Tyne And Wear

Cowen Drinking Fountains

Fountain In Gateshead, Tyne And Wear

Two drinking fountains given to the people of Blaydon by Joseph Cowen in the 1860s.

After working in Blaydon for a little while now, I've picked up some tips from the locals on little hidden gems in the area.


Joseph Cowen Jr. MP (1829-1900) and his father had a major impact on Blaydon and there are reminders of their achievements dotted around all over, but some are easier to find than others.

The two Cowen fountains that were built in the 1860s by Joseph Cowen Jr are definitely hidden gems. One is located just off Summerhill, hidden behind some trees and almost reclaimed by nature. The other is easier to find and is located in Shibdon Dene, not too far from Shibdon Road. The fountains provided safe drinking water to the people of Blaydon from 1860 onwards, as prior to that there was no reliable, safe water supply to the area. 


The W3W for the fountain near Summerhill is: habit.foil.eagle. You'll find it behind a painted metal fence, and can access it through a small entrance to the left of the main gate. This fountain originally stood outside the Black Bull pub, but was moved to it's current location in 1890. 


The second fountain in Shibdon Dene was installed around the same time. It looked a lot grander in it's day, with a canopy and thatched roof over it, but it's sadly now a bit lost in the dene. The W3W for this fountain is call.bats.tidy 

Shibdon Dene is only small, but if you're doing your shopping in the Blaydon area it's worth a wander through. You'll also find Path Head Water Mill and The Summerhill  nearby, if you want to extend your visit.

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Where Is Cowen Drinking Fountains

Where Is It?

What three words
habit.foil.eagle

Lat / Long
54.966244, -1.722543
Show Place On Google Maps

Turn right onto Summerhill. The monument is behind a green fence on the left hand side of the road. Please see the article for the W3W for the second drinking fountain.


Where To Park?

What three words
wiser.jazzy.actor

Lat / Long
54.965624, -1.724751

Show Parking On Google Maps

Theres a small parking area, just up the bank on Summerhill.

Sandra Clemens

Contributed by Sandra Clemens

I love the great outdoors and have been a National Trust & English Heritage member for years. I also love going off the beaten track and finding places like Sharp's Folly or Rothley Castle which are hidden gems in Northumberland. My favourite recent hike was climbing Red Screes in the Lake District on a whim, not fully grasping how high 776m was. It was still an achievement to conquer a Wainwright walk and I hope to do more one day.

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