Edward ('Ned') Corvan 1827-1865. Born in Liverpool, raised in Newcastle. Became Tyneside's first professional singer-songwriter following his debut at the Royal Olympic Concert Hall in 1853. Wrote over 120 songs, including 'The Cullercoats Fishwife' and 'Who Hung the Monkey?'

Corvan popularised the story of the Hartlepool Monkey Trial