Summary
First World War memorial, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Didsbury War Memorial, which stands on Wilmslow Road, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
* Historic interest: as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on this local community, and the sacrifice it has made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: a tall and imposing memorial cross;
* Group value: with the Rhodes Memorial Clock Tower and Didsbury Public Library, both Grade II-listed.
History
The aftermath of the First World War saw the biggest single wave of public commemoration ever with tens of thousands of memorials erected across England, both as a result of the huge impact the loss of three quarters of a million British lives had on communities and the official policy of not repatriating the dead, which meant that the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss. One such memorial was raised at Didsbury as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community.
Details
The Portland stone memorial is located on Wilmslow Road, opposite the Rhodes Memorial Clock Tower (Grade II) and in front of Didsbury Public Library (Grade II). Enclosed within a small, railed, garden, the memorial stands at the end of a short paved path, flanked by two small lawns. The three-stepped stone base is surmounted by a tall, two-stage plinth, square on plan, dying back via offsets to a pedestal bearing the shaft, topped by a small cross fleury.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
458460
Legacy System:
LBS
End of official list entry
