THOMAS WILSON (1773 - 1858)

PREVIOUS PAGE

Thomas Wilson, one of the north-east's greatest dialect poets, was born in the village of Low Fell on 14th December, 1773.

At the age of nineteen he became a school teacher, first at Galloping Green, Wrekenton, then at Shield Row near Stanley. In 1803 he was employed in the counting house of Losh, Lubbren & Co. Two years later he became a partner with William Losh, and they were joined in 1807 by Thomas Bell. Together they began the Losh, Wilson and Bell Ironworks at Walker.

He eventually pulled down his parents cottage at Low Fell and built a large plain building near Lowery's Lane which he called Fell House. It was said that Wilson 'never refused to assist any good work, irrespective of sect or party. To church, chapel or school he was an equally liberal donor, according to the supposed wants of each.

Thomas Wilson was over sixty when he was elected one of the first councilor's, then an a lderman, of Gateshead, He was repeatedly asked to become Mayor but he always refused even when a colleague offered to perform all the mayoral duties on his behalf.

He died on 9th May, 1858 at Fell House.

NEXT PAGE