Joseph Cowen (1829-1900)
Joseph Cowen was a formidable political force in the North East: using the press to promote radical causes; aligning himself with the mining class; and representing Newcastle upon Tyne as its Liberal M.P. from 1874-1886. In the wider political sphere, he championed European revolutionaries; sympathised with Irish Nationalists; and fought for the abolition of slavery. His independence brought him into conflict with the Liberal Caucus and split the party into radical and moderate factions. He served on the committee of the Arts Association of Newcastle upon Tyne, sat on the Newcastle School Board and took a leading role in the founding of both the Tyne Theatre and Opera House and Newcastle Public Library.
