Barnsley War Memorial

The Barnsley War Memorial is a significant structure made of sandstone and bronze, located in front of the Grade II-listed Town Hall, which opened in 1933, eight years after the memorial was unveiled. The memorial features a 2.4-meter tall bronze statue of a young soldier in a greatcoat and steel helmet, standing at ease on a large sandstone pylon. The pylon has a prominent square capstone, recessed angles, a heavy rectangular base, and a moulded plinth. It is raised on three steps in the forecourt of the Town Hall, elevated above the pavement level on Church Street. The steps at the back have been integrated into the landscaping done in 1933. The total height of the memorial is approximately 8 meters.

The main dedicatory inscription on the front face of the pylon is incised and gilded, reading: "IN HONOURED MEMORY OF THE MEN AND WOMEN OF BARNSLEY WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 – 1918 1939 – 1945." Above this inscription, there is a large wreath carved in relief that connects the pylon to its capstone. The left face of the pylon features the inscription: "THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE."

On the rear side, facing the Town Hall, there is a large bronze plaque in Art Nouveau style depicting a winged victory holding a wreathed standard in her left hand and a shield with the town arms in her right. The right face of the pylon has the inscription: "AND WE IN FAITH KEEP THAT PEACE FOR WHICH THEY PAID." The bronze figure of the infantryman, standing on top of the pylon, is depicted with one foot slightly advanced, a fixed bayonet, and the rifle butt grounded.

The memorial is surrounded by chains suspended from metal posts at the base, which are not included in the listing.