Hednesford War Memorial And Gates

The Hednesford War Memorial and Gates comprise a war memorial, associated gates, and gate piers, unveiled in 1922. The memorial was supplied and erected by Messrs. W. H. Fraley & Sons of Birmingham.

The memorial itself is an 8.5-metre-high, square, tapering column constructed of grey granite. It is topped with a square capital featuring carved crosses on each face. A bronze inverted sword, decorated with sprays of olive and palm, is affixed to the front of the shaft. Below the sword, four bronze laurel wreaths are carved, representing the fields of action of World War I: France, Belgium, Gallipoli, Jutland, Italy, Serbia, Palestine, and Mesopotamia. A square plinth at the base bears cast bronze tablets listing the names of the 234 men from Hednesford and the surrounding district who died in the Great War. An inscription reads: "TO THE GLORIOUS AND/ IMMORTAL MEMORY OF/ THE GALLANT MEN OF/ HEDNESFORD AND DISTRICT/ WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE/ IN THE CAUSE OF LIBERTY/ 1914-1918/ "THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERYMORE". A further stone plaque was added later to commemorate those who died in World War II and the Korean War. Two large shells are positioned immediately in front of the column.

The memorial is situated on a prominent hilltop, approached by a long, approximately 80-metre-long drive leading through monumental gates; one double road gate with a single pedestrian gate to the right. The square gate piers feature moulded panels and oversized capitals. The gates are of wrought iron and bear the inscription HEDNESFORD WAR MEMORIAL.

The memorial was funded by public subscription and cost £1,215. The two acres of land on which it stands were donated by the Marquess of Anglesey. It was unveiled by Princess Alice, Countess of Althone, and her husband, the Earl of Althone, on 9th November 1922.

The memorial is a significant commemorative structure, reflecting the historical and cultural connection of the local community. The granite memorial with bronze detailing forms an arresting monument, prominently sited and accessed by a tree-lined driveway.