Donkin's Lamp

Opposite the Market Cross and just in front of the United Reform Church in the centre of the village stands an interesting light. Known today as Donkin's Lamp it was proposed in 1902 by Robert Donkin, chairman of the group charged with the erection of the Armstrong Memorial Cross. He offered to erect s gas lamp at his own expense to celebrate the coronation of King Edward and Queen Alexandra.

. There are two embossed shields on the lamp with the inscriptions:

"Erected by Robert Donkin and Presented to the Town of Rothbury"
&
"To commemorate the Coronation of their Gracious Majesties King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. August 9th 1902"

Erected in the same year as the Armstrong Cross, Donkin's Lamp did not stand the test of time quite so well. It was moved from its original position in front of Church House (now the Visitor Centre) and converted to electricity. It lost two of its arms,a crude swan neck was added, posters were draped over it and it was used to supply the town Christmas lights. Over the years it fell into a pretty sad state of dilapidation. 

In 1995.the Parish Council considered restoring the lamp to its original glory and started discussions with the County Council. Little happened and the idea seemed to have been shelved. However in 1998 the project was resurrected with the view of heralding in the millenium. All that was required was an appeal for funds and a little help with restoration.

With a year to go there was no urgency and the project commenced. The Parish Council contacted a number of businesses and appealed for funds in newspapers and on notice boards around the area. Slowly money flowed in: £10 here, £100 there: and a generous £500 from COOP Public relations raised the fund to some £1000. 

But nothing runs smoothly. The European Development Fund had offered to pay half if the project was finished before the end of March. Only three months away and during the dark cold winter months when work would be difficult to complete. Lanterns had to be ordered, new arms made, electricity supply upgraded and refurbishment planned: all in three months.

In an impressive demonstration of partnership and coordination Northumberland County Council pulled out all stops and upgraded the supply and completed the job one day before the deadline expired, and Cragside volunteers (British Gas Research Engineers) braved the elements to prepare and paint the lamp, clean up the area and prune the nearby trees. A final touch of gold on the crest and the project was complete.

An interesting footnote: Whilst the volunteers were restoring the lamp it was noted that one of the plates had been damaged. Further inspection showed that the date "August 9th 1902" was separated from the rest of the inscription. A little research provided the reason. 

The Coronation was originally scheduled for June 26th 1902, but two days earlier Edward had to undergo an immediate and dangerous operation. He recovered and the coronation was then held on August 9th. 

The mystery was solved. The plate had been cast indicating the original date and changed to reflect the new.

Donations were received from: Amenity Society, Barclays Bank, COOP Public Relations, European Development Fund, History Society, Rothbury Golf Club, Lloyds Bank, Mr. N Melville, Newcastle Hotel, Northern Marts, Queens Head, Spar Supermarket, and Mrs.Varty whilst Support and Labour were supplied by Cragside Volunteers (British Gas), Mr. L Gregory, Recognition Express, and Northumberland County Council.

To the rear of the lamp stands the     URC - United Reform Church