Rowland Burdon, Rowland Burdon, and Wearmouth Bridge bronze plaque

This bronze commemorative plaque records: 1796-1929. To the honoured memory of Rowland Burdon M.P. who built the first bridge upon this site. He laid the foundation stone on the 24th September 1793. The bridge was opened to the public by him on the 9th August 1796. This tablet was unveiled by his grandson, Colonel Rowland Burdon V.D., D.L., J.P. of Castle Eden, and presented to the town by the Freemasons of Sunderland. July 13th 1932, E.H. Brown, Mayor. “Nil desperandum auspice deo”

Rowland Burdon MP is remembered for constructing the first Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland, opened in 1796, significantly improving local transportation and commerce.