Summary
First World War memorial, 1923. Later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Dunston Hill War Memorial, which is situated at the junction of Ellison Road and King George Avenue, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
* Historic interest: as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Design: an elegant and well-proportioned example of the Celtic cross type of war memorial;
* Setting: the memorial stands in a prominent position on a main thoroughfare in the village.
History
The war memorial was unveiled on 15 April 1923 by Major General Sir Percy Wilkinson KCMG and dedicated by Bishop Welldon. The memorial was designed by Mr S J Stephenson of Messrs White & Stephenson, Newcastle, made by Messrs Emley & Sons, Newcastle, and was erected by Messrs Bewley & Scott, contractors, Dunston. At the dedication ceremony for the Second World War additions in 1950, the memorial was unveiled by the Durham County President of the British Legion, Lord Gort. The memorial was restored in 2009.
Details
The granite memorial stands in a prominent position at the junction of Ellison Road and King George Avenue. It is in the form of a tall, ornate, Celtic cross. The wheel-head arms and the front and rear faces of the shaft are decorated with intricate interlace patterns carved in relief. The shaft is raised on a square plinth with chamfered corners. The plinth stands on a five-stepped octagonal base, which is placed on a three-stepped area of paving.
End of official list entry
