Pic Tor War Memorial

Pic Tor War Memorial is a war memorial erected in 1921. It features a large stone Celtic cross on a tapering shaft, set on a stepped base made of local gritstone. The base of the plinth has two brass plaques on each face. Initially dedicated to the dead of the First World War, it was later also dedicated to those who died in the Second World War. The upper plaque on the north face is inscribed with '1914-1919/IN GRATEFUL AND LOVING REMEMBRANCE/OF OUR MEN/WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES/FOR/HONOUR AND FREEDOM/HE LIVES IN FAME/THAT DIED IN VIRTUE'S CAUSE'. The upper plaques on the other faces list the names of the 178 men from Matlock who died in the First World War. The lower plaque on the north face reads '1939-45/WE WILL REMEMBER THEM', while the lower plaques on the other faces record the names of the 47 men from Matlock who died in the Second World War.

The decision to erect a monument in Matlock was delayed due to discussions about the design and location. Ultimately, it was decided that the memorial should take the form of a cross, symbolizing God's sacrifice of his son, and be placed on Pic Tor, a limestone outcrop overlooking the town. Designed by local artist and photographer William Nathan Statham and built by local builder and quarry owner John William Wildgoose, the monument cost approximately £500. It was unveiled on 7 August 1921 by Mr. F C Arkwright, who lost a son and son-in-law during the First World War.

War memorials hold significant historical and cultural importance at both local and national levels. Given its size and prominent location overlooking the town, this memorial is an impressive example of its kind.