War Memorial

This is a First World War memorial, built in 1920, with later additions commemorating the Second World War. It stands in St. Wilfred's churchyard. The memorial is constructed of white marble set upon a sandstone base and is surrounded by wrought iron railings with gilt tips, all on a low sandstone wall. The memorial is approximately 3.2 metres high and sits on a low, rectangular sandstone plinth. Inscriptions are carved into the front (west) and north faces of the marble plinth in black lettering. The front face’s inscription reads ‘IN HOLY REMEMBRANCE OF / THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS OF THIS CONGREGATION / WHO NOBLY LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES IN THE / GREAT WAR, 1914 - 1919’, followed by the names, rank, date of death, and age at death of 22 deceased. A further inscription below quotes ‘IT IS BETTER FOR US TO DIE IN BATTLE, THAN TO SEE THE MISERIES OF OUR OWN PEOPLE / AND THE DESECRATION OF OUR HOLY PLACES’ from 1 Maccabees III 59, with 'R.I.P.' The north face inscription reads 'ALSO / WORLD WAR, 1939 - 1945’ and lists the names and years of death of eight further deceased. A sculpted figure of Christ on a cross is set upon the plinth. A serviceman, depicted with his helmet fallen nearby, lies wounded or dead on rocky ground at Christ’s feet. A scroll affixed to the top of the cross bears the inscription 'JNRI'. The memorial was built at a cost of £346 15s 1d, and sculpted by Messrs Alberti, with construction carried out by Mr. W. Almond. It was unveiled by local clergy and dignitaries on 14th March 1920.