Goathland War Memorial

A First World War memorial of unknown date, with Second World War additions.

MATERIALS: sandstone cross on a limestone base.

DESCRIPTION: the memorial comprises a sandstone cross on a rectangular pedestal, standing on a square base of limestone. The cross and pedestal measure approximately 750mm wide and 500mm deep, and 2m high. The cross is modelled after the Lilla Cross (National Heritage List for England – NHLE – entry 1010076) which is about 5 miles away. It has a distinctive Greek style head with truncated flared arms, and a tall, tapered shaft, all punch-dressed. The lower arm has an incised Greek cross, and the shaft is inscribed at the top: 1914/ 1919.

The pedestal also tapers. It is diagonally tooled. Its face is inscribed in good quality lettering with diamond punctuation marks: “TRUE LOVE BY LIFE./TRUE LOVE BY/ DEATH IS TRIED:/LIVE THOU FOR/ ENGLAND. WE FOR/ ENGLAND DIED.”

The west face is inscribed with six names, and returning at the right the east face with six more. Names are listed with forename and surname, alphabetically by surname.

The north face has an incised cross on the lower arm of the head, and the upper shaft is inscribed: 1939/ 1945. The pedestal is inscribed with six more names listed as above.

The square base comprises irregularly-coursed squared limestone walling, with an overhanging top of nine limestone flags.

On the south west corner there is a deep chip which has been repaired with a lighter coloured mortar.