William Henderson Dawson

William Henderson Dawson was a British Tyneside poet, songwriter, author and bookbinder who lived in Newcastle upon Tyne. His song "The Stephenson’s Monument" was written in 1862 for the inauguration of the monument. He contributed to the collection known as Allan’s Illustrated Edition of Tyneside Songs and Readings, as well as a book on the poets of Newcastle. He wrote Walks round Old Newcastle.

Life William Henderson Dawson was born in Newcastle upon Tyne. He became a bookbinder, working at St. Nicholas' Churchyard in the workshop of Thomas Bewick, a wood engraver.

He wrote the book, Walks round Old Newcastle, filled with anecdotes and local references to folklore and songs. He also contributed to The Local Poets of Newcastle, providing many biographical articles, some in prose and others in rhyme and song. Elswick.

Songs He wrote many songs, mostly in the Geordie dialect. These included : "The Stephenson Monument" – on its inauguration on 2 October 1862 "The Pitman's Visit to Stephenson's Monument" to the tune of "Tallygrip" "The Pitman’s Tickor An’ the Wag-at-the-Wa’" to the tune of "Barbara Allen"*

Books contributor to Allan’s Illustrated Edition of Tyneside Songs and Readings (1862) Walks round Old Newcastle contributor to The Local Poets of Newcastle