Reasons for Designation
Fleetwood War Memorial, located in the Memorial Park, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
Architectural Interest: it is a good example of a First World War Memorial, with Second World War and later additions, that has been designed and executed to a high standard, using good quality materials and craftsmanship
Historic Interest: it commemorates the residents of the town, and surrounding area, with great events on the world stage
Details
917/0/10018
FLEETWOOD
FLEETWOOD MEMORIAL PARK
WAR MEMORIAL
24-MAR-11
II
A First World War Memorial of 1927 with Second World War and later additions.
MATERIALS: sandstone on a flagstone base.
DESCRIPTION: a First World War Memorial, with Second World War and later additions, located on Remembrance Avenue in Fleetwood's Memorial Park. It consists of a tall cylindrical sandstone plinth, with a chamfered base, on an octagonal step, with adjacent circular sandstone flower planters. It stands upon a rectangular flagstone base of three steps, with square flower planters at each corner. The cylindrical plinth carries a sculptured Romanesque figure of a young man representing Liberty, standing against an altar, upon which is an urn, with his right arm raised holding a pole with an eternal flame at the top. He carries a wreath in his left hand, and he wears a laurel garland on his head.
An inscription around the top of the plinth reads: FOR FREEDOM LOVING BRITONS, THE BELOVED ONES DIED FOR US.
An unknown figure is carved in low relief on the west face, beneath which is inscribed: TO THE MEMORY / OF THE MEN OF / FLEETWOOD WHO / GAVE THEIR LIVES / FOR THEIR COUNTRY / 1914-1918 / AND IN GRATEFUL / REMEMBRANCE OF / THOSE WHO SHARED / ITS DANGER. The other faces of the circular plinth are inscribed with the names of the fallen.
The base of the plinth is inscribed: TO YOU FROM FALLING HANDS WE THROW THE TORCH, BE YOURS TO HOLD IT HIGH. MAN MUST STILL STRIVE, PRINCIPLES DO NOT APPLY THEMSELVES.
The octagonal lower base is inscribed: 1939-1945 TO THE MEMORY OF THOSE WHO CONTINUED THE FIGHT FOR FREEDOM AND THE CHRISTIAN WAY OF LIFE. Slate tablets affixed to the plinth immediately beneath the inscription, and to the four circular flower planters placed at the corners of the plinth's base step, are inscribed with the names of the fallen.
A slate tablet affixed to the south face beneath the World War II dedication is inscribed: TO THE MEMORY OF THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES / IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY POST 1945. It is inscribed with one name.
HISTORY: Fleetwood World War I War Memorial, with World War II and later additions, designed and sculpted by Herbert Tyson Smith, was erected in the Memorial Park, Fleetwood, and was unveiled on 22 October, 1927 by Admiral Sir William Edmund Goodenough.
SOURCES:
Hartwell, C, & Pevsner, N, Buildings of England, Lancashire: North, (2009) 295
United Kingdom National Inventory of War Memorials: Men of Fleetwood, Reference No. 42701
REASONS FOR DECISION:
Fleetwood War Memorial, located in the Memorial Park, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
Architectural Interest: it is a noble example of a First World War Memorial, with Second World War and later additions, that has been designed and executed to a high standard, using good quality materials and craftsmanship
Historic Interest: it commemorates the residents of the town and surrounding area and the effects of great events on the world stage
This List entry has been amended to add the source for War Memorials Online. This source was not used in the compilation of this List entry but is added here as a guide for further reading, 2 February 2017.
