Rawtenstall Cenotaph

The Rawtenstall Cenotaph is a First World War memorial built in 1929 by L F Roslyn, made of shaped granite and bronze. It features a needle-like structure rising from a base of three square steps, with a square plinth, bas-relief panels, and a granite obelisk. The cenotaph is located in the Library Gardens, positioned between Rawtenstall Library and St Mary's Parish Church.

The steps are made of granite, with the center stone of each side of the top step and the upper surface beneath the plinth being subtly whiter. The plinth has two additional steps leading to its square base, which is adorned with an ovolo moulding and a cavetto above. The east and west faces of the plinth are carved with a wreath and garland, while the south face features a bronze plaque inscribed with a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the First World War, as well as to those who returned and contributed to the war effort at home from 1914 to 1918. The north face has a plaque dedicated to the memory of all who gave their lives during the Second World War from 1939 to 1945, including those who served in various capacities.

Above the plinth is a bronze bas-relief, signed by LF Roslyn RBS, depicting members of the Armed Forces in high relief at each corner, protecting civilian workers in lower relief between them. The panels illustrate various figures: on the south side, a soldier, members of the Women’s Land Army, Women’s Forestry Service, a woman and child, and members of the Women’s Royal Naval Service; on the west side, an airman, members of the Voluntary Aid Detachment, a nurse, a munitions worker, and members of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps; on the north side, a member of the Royal Army Medical Corps, labourers, a fisherman, and a Special Constable; and on the east side, a sailor, a miner, a postman, a railwayman, and a mechanic.

The reliefs are topped by a square granite obelisk with a twice-stepped top. At the top of the south face, there is a bronze palm leaf with a garlanded wreath, symbolizing victory and remembrance.