Cowen Drinking Fountains

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.