Cropper Memorial In North-East Corner Of Abbot Hall Recreation Ground

The Cropper Memorial, located in the north-east corner of Abbot Hall Recreation Ground, is a monument dedicated to James Cropper, dating from around 1900. It consists of a monolithic, dressed slate slab approximately 10 feet high, featuring a jagged top. This slab is set upright within a second dressed slate slab that has jagged ends and is laid flat. The front face of the memorial includes an inset circular copper panel with a bas-relief profile portrait of Cropper, accompanied by a concentric inscription carved in slate that reads: "JAMES CROPPER MDCCCXXIII - MDCCCC." Below this, the main inscription states: "Last Member of Parliament for the Ancient Borough of Kendal. First Chairman of the Westmorland County Council." On the rear face, there is a bas-relief carving depicting a single oak-tree shoot rising vertically from its root, which is interrupted by five inscribed panels labeled: FAITH, HOPE, ZEAL, JOY, and LOVE.