Basil Hume grey plaque

This grey commemorative plaque records: Cardinal Basil Hume, 1923-1999, Benedictine Monk and Abbott of Ampleforth, Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster and a favourite son of Tyneside was born George Hume in Newcastle, the city for which he retained a lifelong affection. This statue and garden were commissioned by the council and people of Newcastle to celebrate Basil Hume's life and work. The garden reflects Cardinal Hume's particular attachment for the holy landscape of Northumbria and the Northern Saints from which he drew spiritual inspiration. Featured are the shapes of Holy Island (Lindisfarne) and Inner Farne, the remote island where the first monk-bishops of Lindisfarne lived as hermits. The text is the seventh century Caedmon's Hymn, the earliest Christian poem on Old English (Northumbrian); the translation was an inspiration for the design of the garden. The boulders are from the shoreline of Holy Island and Inner Farne; below is a stone from Ampleforth Abbey, Basil Hume's monastic home.

Cardinal Basil Hume was a prominent Benedictine monk, Abbott of Ampleforth, and Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster known for his advocacy on social issues and ecumenical efforts, leaving a lasting impact on British Catholicism. The commemorative statue and garden in Newcastle honor his significant contributions to religion and society, reflecting his deep connection to Northumbria and its spiritual heritage.