Rawcliffe War Memorial

First World War memorial, 1921, with additions for later conflicts.

DESCRIPTION: Rawcliffe War Memorial is located on a triangular traffic island at the junction of Station Road and Royal Drive.

It takes the form of a tall cenotaph constructed from regular-coursed Portland Stone blocks with stepped capstone. The east and west faces of the cenotaph have pilasters to the corners; the east face also has an inset, fielded panel between the pilasters with an inverted sword and wreath carved in relief. Directly below the panel are the words OUR GLORIOUS DEAD, also carved in relief. This rises from a large, four-sided plinth with a moulded cornice and foot, atop a stone block base. The whole surmounts a two-stepped platform.

The plinth has an inset, fielded panel with the inscription, IN MEMORY OF THE MEN OF THIS PARISH/ WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR/ (56 NAMES). Preceding the inscription are the dates 1914 and 1919 with a cross pattée symbol incised between them. Directly below, affixed to the base, is a later plaque inscribed with the dates 1939 and 1949, again with a cross pattée symbol incised between them, followed by the 23 names of the dead from the Second World War. A further plaque is affixed to the south face of the top step of the platform which reads, ON NATIONAL SERVICE/ (2 NAMES). All lettering is incised.

SUBSIDIARY FEATURES: the memorial is enclosed by metal railings with scroll work detail and fleur-de-lys finials; the southern boundary has a gate to allow access to the memorial.