Robert Chambers "Honest Bob" 1831-1868

Robert "Honest Bob" Chambers was born on the 14th June 1831 and died aged 37 on the 4th June 1868

Robert Chambers Memorial, sited in Walker Churchyard

London Illustrated News reported "A monument has been erected over the tomb of the late Robert Chambers, the renowned Tyneside waterman, who held the championship of England for aquatic skill and prowess. It stands in the Walker churchyard at Newcastle where the ceremony of unveiling the monument was performed, some weeks ago, in the presence of many spectators, after a suitable address by the Rev R. Thompson, incumbent of the church in that suburb. The monument is well placed, on a slightly-elevated piece of ground. It is composed entirely of Prudham stone of the_best quality; it is 18 ft. high, 9ft. long, 6ft. wide at the base and consists of three divisions. The first part is a pedestal, with buttresses on the angles, 6ft. 6in. from the ground, on which is placed a statue of Chambers. Reclining from each angle of the pedestal are four jambs, with columns, and capitals, foliated, 4 ft.from the top of the pedestal, and on which rests the canopy covering the statue. The canopy is constructed in five parts - viz., four springers springing from ea¢h column forming four arches, and surmounted with a large block forming the four keystones, with roof and gablets, enriched with spandrils, with monogram of "R.C." and some foliage; the gablets ornamented with crockets and finials, and the'roof of hie monument is carved with ornamental slates to give variety of effect. It required the weight of 36 tons of stone to execute the whole design". Sadly the memorial has since been vandalised and is in a poor state.