War Memorial

The war memorial, dating from 1919, was designed by L. G. Whitehead and carved by Messrs J. Beresford and Son. It is constructed from Derbyshire gritstone. The memorial comprises an ornately carved Latin cross mounted on a square base. The west side of the cross features a carved angel of victory holding a sword, above which is a recumbent deer within a laurel wreath. On the east side is a mythical bird on a nest with four chicks. The background carving takes the form of Celtic knots on the east and west sides and swirls on the north and south. Inscribed metal plaques are present on the base of the cross on the west side, and on a stone at its foot. A low stone wall with holes for flower vases surrounds the cross on three sides. The plaque at the base of the cross is inscribed with the words 'TO THE MEMORY OF/ (NAMES)/ WHO FELL DURING THE/ GREAT WAR, 1914-19'. The plaque on the stone at the foot is inscribed: 'TO THE MEMORY OF/ (NAMES)/ WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1939-45'. The memorial was erected through public subscription to commemorate the men of Castleton who were killed in the First World War. It was unveiled by Major S. Hill-Wood on 18 October 1919. A dedication to the fallen of the Second World War was added later, and in 1984 the original rock garden base was replaced by a stone wall with holes for vases. The memorial has group value with other listed buildings surrounding the Market Place and serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of both World Wars on the local community, exhibiting high-quality carvings.