Church of St. John, Hodgson Tomb

This tomb was listed Grade II in 1987 with the following description:
'Chest tomb. Circa 1800 to Solomon Hodgson, owner and editor of the Newcastle Chronicle., and members of his family. Sandstone ashlar. Moulded top on inscribed panels. Inscription recorded in E. Mackenzie History of Newcastle 1827, 351.'
Solomon Hodgson (1761-1800) was born in Cumberland. He was probably apprenticed as a letter press printer to Thomas Slack, founder of the Newcastle Chronicle. Following Slack's death, he became reporter, editor, advertising agent and publisher of the newspaper at Union Street. Hodgson also managed a printing and bookselling business and an agency for patent medicines in the Groat Market. He was a friend of Thomas Bewick and helped compile the 'General History of Quadrupeds'. Following his early death aged 39, his widow Sarah, Thomas Slack's daughter, carried on the business. After her death in 1822, their son Thomas continued as proprietor and editor for another 43 years. There is a 96 word epitaph on the tomb. LISTED GRADE 2