Grasmere War Memorial

The Grasmere War Memorial is made from Westmorland Green Slate and is situated on a low outcrop in Broadgate Recreation Ground in Grasmere. It features a Celtic-style wheel-head cross, with the front face adorned with carved Scandinavian interlace designs surrounding a central boss at the cross-head. The cross is mounted on a rectangular tapered shaft, which includes designs that symbolize peace and victory, such as a dove with an olive branch, a herringbone design panel, and a stag trampling a serpent, representing the Christian triumph over sin.

On the shaft, there is a relief inscription that reads: "IN HONOUR OF THE MEN/ OF GRASMERE WHO/ FOUGHT AND IN EVER/ THANKFUL MEMORY/ OF THE MEN WHO DIED/ FOR GOD, FOR KING, FOR HOME/ FOR FREEDOM, PEACE & RIGHT/ IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914 – 1918/ 1939 – 1945."

The shaft stands on a tapered plinth with sloping shoulders, which is inscribed with: "THE IMMORTAL DEAD/ THESE DIED IN WAR THAT WE AT PEACE MIGHT LIVE/ THESE GAVE THEIR BEST, SO WE OUR BEST SHOULD GIVE/ NOT FOR THEMSELVES, FOR FREEDOM, HOME AND RIGHT/ THEY FOUGHT AND BID US FORWARD TO THE FIGHT/ SEE YE TO IT THAT THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE DIED IN VAIN."

The back face of the cross and shaft features similar carved interlace designs, possibly including the name of the makers or masons, although this is not legible. The shaft is set within a rectangular paved and kerbed enclosure.