War Memorial, The Diamond, Kilrea, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry

War Memorial, Kilrea

A free-standing ashlar granite War Memorial erected in 1924 to commemorate the local people who served and died in the First World War. Designed by architect Samuel McFadden, with the contract of £722 undertaken by John Robinson & Son of Belfast, the monument stands at the centre of Kilrea's historic Diamond, at the junction of four primary streets that radiate from this central focal point.

The memorial is constructed as a four-sided obelisk on a stepped base, rising to a height of 7.25 metres. The square-plan granite die has each elevation aligned along the four primary streets. The north and south elevations feature a trapezoidal-shaped recess above a curved projection, while the east and west elevations contain a similar recess extending to ground level. Behind these recesses are the remains of the original cast-iron water pump, inscribed 'Rowley, London 1838'. Each face of the die is surmounted by a triangular pediment with central wreath moulding. Above rises a central four-sided obelisk with a pyramidal cap, executed in smooth ashlar granite. The names of those who served from the local area are carved in lettering on the monument and painted black.

The memorial was constructed over and around a previous public water pump, which had occupied the site since at least 1829. According to historical records, a pump and cistern were initially installed in the south-east corner of the square in 1829 at a cost of £90, met by the inhabitants of Kilrea. The original pump was noted to be 54 feet deep. By 1838, this had been replaced with the cast-iron structure still partially visible today, which served as the main public water supply at the town centre. The pump had become a point of contention between rival political parties. In an effort to unite the town, the memorial was erected to incorporate and preserve the historic pump at its base.

The memorial was first captioned on the second edition Ordnance Survey map in 1925. It has subsequently been adapted to commemorate those who served and died in both World Wars. The stonework and lettering have been recently restored, with previously omitted names added to the inscription.

The monument occupies a prominent position in an urban setting at the centre of the Diamond in Kilrea, now surrounded by a busy roundabout. It is enclosed by modern decorative metal railing and cast-iron posts, with the ground paved and planted with signage at the perimeter and two wooden benches. Neighbouring historic structures within the Diamond include the Mercers' Hotel and a telephone kiosk, with St Patrick's Church located a short distance to the south. The memorial is aligned to the church and is an important local landmark of significant architectural distinction and considerable local interest and social importance to the surrounding community.