War Memorial Outside Rastrick Library

The War Memorial outside Rastrick Library is a memorial built in 1920, with an addition made after 1945. It is designed as a plain obelisk made of York stone, standing on a three-tiered plinth, and is located in the garden of the library. The front of the memorial features an inscription that honors the men of Rastrick who lost their lives in both World Wars, specifically stating: 'TO THE MEN OF/RASTRICK/WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES/IN THE SERVICE OF/THEIR COUNTRY/1914-1918/"REMEMBER THE LOVE OF/THEM WHO CAME NOT/HOME FROM THE WAR"/AND IN HONOUR OF THOSE/WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN/THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY/1939-1945'. The other three sides list the names of 128 individuals who died in the First World War. Additionally, a small inscription near the base notes that J W Clay bequeathed funds for the memorial's maintenance. The dedication ceremony took place in October 1920, led by Lieutenant Colonel Sir George Armitage CMG DSO, along with local clergy and dignitaries. This memorial is well-maintained and serves as a significant local landmark, reflecting strong community ties through the names of the fallen. The inclusion of the Second World War inscription enhances its historical significance.