War Memorial In St George'S Churchyard

The war memorial stands in St George's churchyard and dates from circa 1920. Constructed from sandstone, it serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of World War I on the local community, commemorating the 137 men from the parish of St George, Stockport, who lost their lives.

The memorial is set on a square stone base, where some flags have been replaced with gravel within stone kerbs. The base features a tall, octagonal section with a moulded cornice and a high, moulded plinth resting on two octagonal steps. The northeast panel facing Buxton Road is inscribed with a dedication "IN / LOVING / AND GRATEFUL / MEMORY / OF / THE MEN WHO / FROM THIS PARISH / OF / SAINT GEORGE / STOCKPORT / GAVE THEIR LIVES / FOR / KING / AND / COUNTRY / IN THE / GREAT WAR / 1914 / 1918." Seven remaining panels list the names of the fallen men, with no ranks specified. The base is topped with a tall, tapering, octagonal cross shaft culminating in a decorative cross. On the northeast side, above the dedication panel, a foliate-carved step supports a sculpture of St George dressed as a medieval knight, holding a shield. He stands beneath a gabled, crocketed canopy. Three elongated flying buttresses are positioned to either side and rear of the statue.

This memorial has group value, situated as it is alongside St George's Church, its listed wall and gate piers, the Vicarage, and the Church of England Primary School buildings. The memorial's design echoes the height of the church spire and incorporates a finely carved sculpture of St George.