Goathland War Memorial

The Goathland War Memorial is a First World War memorial of unknown date, with additions from the Second World War. It features a sandstone cross on a limestone base.

The memorial consists of a sandstone cross set on a rectangular pedestal, which stands on a square limestone base. The cross and pedestal together measure approximately 750mm wide, 500mm deep, and 2 meters high. The design of the cross is inspired by the Lilla Cross, located about 5 miles away. It has a distinctive Greek-style head with truncated flared arms and a tall, tapered shaft, all finished with punch-dressing. The lower arm of the cross features an incised Greek cross, while the top of the shaft is inscribed with the years 1914 and 1919.

The pedestal also tapers and is diagonally tooled. Its front face is inscribed in high-quality lettering with diamond punctuation marks, stating: “TRUE LOVE BY LIFE./TRUE LOVE BY/ DEATH IS TRIED:/LIVE THOU FOR/ ENGLAND. WE FOR/ ENGLAND DIED.” The west face of the pedestal lists six names, and the east face lists six more, with names presented in alphabetical order by surname.

On the north face, there is an incised cross on the lower arm of the head, and the upper shaft is inscribed with the years 1939 and 1945. The pedestal also includes six additional names listed in the same manner.

The square base is made of irregularly-coursed squared limestone walling, topped with nine limestone flags that overhang slightly. There is a deep chip on the southwest corner that has been repaired with a lighter-colored mortar.