Bensham, Gateshead Union Workhouse

HER Number:
6175

District:
Gateshead

Site Name:
Bensham, Gateshead Union Workhouse

Place:
Bensham

Map Sheet:
NZ26SW

Class:
Health and Welfare

Site Type: Broad:

Site Type: Specific:
Workhouse

General Period:
Early Modern

Specific Period:
C19

Form of Evidence:
Extant Building

Description:
Shown on 2nd edition Ordnance Survey map. Site now part of Bensham General Hospital. Gateshead's first general hospital was built 1886-1890 as the infirmary of Gateshead Union Workhouse. It was converted into a general hospital in 1941, following a review of health services in the borough and an influx of war wounded. Built 1885-9. Architects J.H. Morton, W.L. Newcombe, W.H. Knowles {2}. FORMER INFIRMARY OF GATESHEAD UNION WORKHOUSE - Bensham Hospital, Fontwell Drive, Teams, Gateshead, NE8 4YL DESCRIPTION Brick with stone dressings, lintels and plinth. Welsh slate roof. Mix of old and new windows. Covered walkways. Grounds encroached upon. MATERIALS Brick, slate ARCHITECT J H Moreton, and Newcombe & Knowles DATES 1887 (plans) STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Unique form – worth putting in for its style. Reminiscent of Ashington Hospital. LOCAL LIST

Easting:
2462

Northing:
6130

Grid Reference:
NZ24626130

Lats/Lons:

Sources:
2nd edition Ordnance Survey map; S. Taylor and D. Lovie, 2004, Gateshead - Architecture in A Changing English Urban Landscape, p 21; Gateshead Council Local List Fact Sheet X20/LL/097; Tyne and Wear Archives CB.GA/BC/plan/1887/42