Haltwhistle Memorial Cross

Haltwhistle Memorial Cross stands in a garden to the south of the new Haltwhistle Memorial Hospital. Built of Greenlaw stone, c6m tall, the memorial comprises a Greek cross rising from a tapered shaft with a moulded foot, which stands on a tapering, square, plinth. That stands on a three-stepped, square, base. The cross is flanked by two low side walls that finish in short, square, piers.

Both faces of the cross bear interlace carvings representing eternity. At the bottom are two leverets representing Belgium. Swooping down are two birds of prey (Germany and Austria). Two rats represent the horrors of war. Squirrels with oak leaves and acorns represent the British Empire. Two owls represent the wisdom of God, and the whole is surmounted by the Dove of Peace.

The front face of the plinth bears an inscription that reads IN PROUD AND GRATEFUL MEMORY/ OF THOSE FROM THIS DISTRICT WHO/ GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914 – 1918/ AND IN THE WORLD WAR 1939 – 1945. Rectangular bronze plaques on the front face of each end pier list the names of those who fell, arranged by village. Above these plaques are incised inscriptions that read 1914 – 1918. Rectangular bronze plaques on the front face of the low side walls list further names. Above these plaques are incised inscriptions that read 1939 – 1945. Each of the four plaques has a raised border of Celtic knots.

The memorial is surrounded by paving and a low stone wall. This enclosure is approached from the south by a flight of steps leading up from the garden.