War Memorial

The War Memorial in Market Drayton was built around 1921. It is made of granite and concrete and features a cross on a battered plinth that stands on a square platform with three steps. The memorial is located at the Y-junction of Queen Street and Cheshire Street, surrounded by a landscaped area with lawn and shrubs. It faces north-west, with a bowed wall to the south-east that partially encloses the cross.

The cross itself has a carved wreath on both the front and back, adorned with ribbons. The arms of the cross are connected by a circular aureole. The shaft is battered, and both the cross and shaft are polished on the front and back, while the sides are rough-hewn, creating a contrast in textures that is also seen on the plinth and platform. The plinth displays the names of the fallen from the First World War on three sides, with an inscription on the north-west face that reads: "TO/THE GLORY OF GOD/AND/IN MEMORY OF/THE MEN OF MARKET DRAYTON/WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN/THE/GREAT WAR 1914-1919/AND/1939-1945". The separate wall behind the memorial is made of granite blocks with a plain coping, and it features a central panel inscribed with the names of those who died in the Second World War, marked "1939-1945".

The memorial was unveiled on 11th November 1921 by General Sir Philip Chetwode, and the rear wall was added after the Second World War. This memorial holds significant historical and cultural importance, commemorating the men of Market Drayton who lost their lives in both World Wars. Its prominent location near the town center enhances its role as a focal point for remembrance.