In the early 1800's Joshua Watson, a quaker and a cheesemonger, living over his shop in Newcaslte Upon Tyne purchased Bensham Grove in Bensham, Gateshead. The River Tyne, although not as polluted as it was to become, was already showing signs of the hive of industry and commerce it was to be in the future. It was no suprise therefore that Joshua was attracted to the golden cornfield, bluebell woods and windmills of Bensham as it was at the time. He bought it as a country cottage, near eneough to continue his busniess next to the river but rural and healthy for his children.

And so began the life-long envolvement that three successive generations of Watsons had with the house called Bensham Grove. Joshua's son Joeseph and in turn his son Robert Spence enlarged and improved the house resulting in an eclectic mix of Georgian and Victorian features.

Robert Spence Watson (1837-1911) together with his wife Elizabeth (1838- 1919) were perhaps the best known. A Quaker and a noted Liberal Robert spent his life championing the cause of the working man and the oppressed. An educator, he was also a politician, traveller, poet and writer.

Elizabeth(nee Richardson) was a moving light in women's rights and education as well as helping the poor of Gateshead in many ways. Robert and Elizabeth, at home in Bensham Grove, became host to a variety of visitors including, Artists, Craftsman, Educationalists, Reformers, Poets and Politicians. On the death of the Spence Watsons, Bensham Grove became an Educational Settlement doing much work during the Depression in the thirties. It is still a centre for Adult Education as well as a busy Community Centre.

The Management Committee have recently begun a fund raising mission to raise eneough money to conserve and enhance the interior of the house. A Grade 2 Listed Building, the house still holds many features such as stained glass windows, fireplaces, tiles and decorated ceilings. Many of these were fasionable at the time but also bear a strong Arts and Crafts theme. William Morris and some of the Pre- Raphaelite painters were welcome visitors and their influence can still be felt in the rooms. The conservation will include repairing, replacing and enhancing, to bring back the traditional feel of the house somewhat lost over the years.

If you feel able to contribute to the funding please get in touch. If you are interested in the history and story of Bensham Grove we do welcome visitors on appointment and in particular on Heritage Open Days and Gateshead History Month