Gatepiers, overthrows and railings at south-west and south entrances to Ashton-under-Lyne Memorial Gardens

The gatepiers, overthrows, and railings at the south-west and south entrances to Ashton-under-Lyne Memorial Gardens date from the early 20th century. The entrance at the south-western corner is aligned with the war memorial and features a central pair of gatepiers made of Portland stone, along with wrought-iron railings and terminal stone piers, all arranged in a segmental concave curve. The square gatepiers have heavy moulded cornices and are topped with flaming urns that symbolize eternal life. The wrought-iron openwork piers that once held the gates, which have now been removed, are marked with the dates 1914 and 1919 and also feature urn motifs on top. An elaborate scrolled overthrow is adorned with an escutcheon displaying the Borough arms and has inset lettering that reads: MEMORIAL GARDENS. The railings have a geometric pattern and consist of four panels separated by openwork piers, each capped with urns, with the innermost panels curving to meet the gatepiers.

The southern entrance, which is aligned with the memorial, includes a pair of gatepiers and an overthrow that are identical to those at the south-west entrance. The gates at this entrance have also been removed.