Washington Crocodile
Art In Washington, Tyne And Wear
A concrete crocodile on the banks of the River Wear in Washington, built as part of the new housing estate.
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Did you know that there is a crocodile on the loose in Washington? No, not a real one, phew!
When the new town was built in the 1960's, in addition to what feels like a million roundabouts, they also installed concrete crocodiles! The reason for that choice is unknown, however decorating a new town with concrete animals was a feature of the time.
There are the Killingworth Hippos and Milton Keynes also had concrete cattle.
Princess Anne Park had a pond that contained several of the beasts, unfortunately the pond and those crocodiles there are now long gone, replaced by the new Washington Leisure Centre.
Luckily one of the crocs survives here in Fatfield. I have decided to name him Elton, as he is, in fact, a Crocodile Rock!
Brought to my attention by a friend with fond memories of playing on the reptile in her youth, I went into investigation mode and although there is not a lot to be found on the internet about them, there is a podcast called 'The Ballad of the Crocodile and the Overpass'. A project developed to celebrate 60 years of Washington new town, which you can find on Spotify (other podcast players are available).
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Where Is Washington Crocodile?
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54.879083, -1.516193
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Where To Park For Washington Crocodile?
Lat / Long
54.878921, -1.515068
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There is parking in the street behind the crocodile, but please park considerately.
Contributed by Rachel Hagar
Adventurer, amateur photographer, and listophile. I love finding new and unusual places, especially a good waterfall or a place with Tudor era history, due to my small obsession with Henry VIII. I try to get out and about in the fresh air whenever I can, dragging my daughter along for the ride, to get her (and me) away from screens and devices.
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