Radcliffe War Memorial

The Radcliffe War Memorial was erected in 1922 and designed by Sydney March of March Bros., Farnborough, Kent, with site landscaping by A. Baines Barker of London, and stonework executed by F.M. & H Nuttall Ltd of Whitefield. It is constructed from Darley Dale sandstone with bronze statuary. The memorial takes the form of an obelisk set upon a square, raised terrace enclosed by walls and steps. The base consists of seven steps leading to a cruciform pedestal, upon which the obelisk rises to 35 feet above street level. The four main faces of the pedestal feature large, square bronze panels in relief, bearing 642 names of those who fell in 1914-1918. Matching rectangular bronze panels on the narrow sides of the pedestal list names from 1939-1945. The front of the obelisk displays a sword with a laurel wreath around the handle. Bronze statuary is positioned on three sides of the obelisk’s base, and a bronze cartouche on the rear face bears the inscription "TO OUR / GLORIOUS / DEAD / 1914-1918" in raised lettering, surmounted by the Radcliffe coat of arms. The three statues depict winged female figures embodying Liberty, Victory, and Peace. Victory, standing centrally, supports Liberty, who raises a flaming torch, while Peace reclines with roses and a dove. The terrace is approached by four broad steps from Blackburn Street and is enclosed by ashlar walls incorporating tall bronze open-work lamp standards at the corners. Rectangular gardens, bordered by a low plinth with square piers linked by chains, are situated on either side of the memorial.