DONKIN Armorer (1779 – 1851)

SOLICITOR

Situated in the Unconsecrated/East Section of Jesmond Old Cemetery.

Armorer Donkin.

Born in North Shields, was a member of the Newcastle Literary and Philosophical Society and Honorary Secretary from 1809-1812. A neighbour and friend of William Armstrong, Father of Lord Armstrong. In death, both men remain neighbours, with Donkin’s monument situated adjacent to William Armstrong’s. The young Lord Armstrong was articled to Donkin as a solicitor, spending five years completing his legal education in London, returning to Newcastle in 1833, after which he became a partner in Donkin’s business and the firm became Donkin, Stable and Armstrong.  

Donkin was recorded as owning most of Heaton in 1840, bequeathing it to Lord Armstrong in 1857. A  fine painting of Donkin hangs in the Dining Room at Cragside, Armstrong’s home near Rothbury.