Summary
War memorial, 1952.
Reasons for Designation
Blackhall War Memorial, which stands in Welfare Park, 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;
* Historic association: an unusually late war memorial commemorating the community’s losses, in its public park.
History
A public meeting to discuss a suitable war memorial for the colliery village was called on 9 February 1948. Periodic meetings continued until September 1949, without coming to any conclusion, and on 10 December 1951 the matter was again raised by the Blackhall Branch of the British Legion. Fundraising began and on 19 April 1952 the memorial, by the Dunelm Granite Co Ltd, was unveiled by Mr E Shinwell MP and dedicated by Reverend E D'A Staunton at an ecumenical service.
Details
The stone memorial stands in the Welfare Park between the cricket ground and the bowling greens. It comprises a tall Latin cross, octagonal in section with moulded terminals, rising from a pyramidal plinth. That stands on a base of stone blocks which is raised on a round dias. The dias is approached from the south-east by a flight of five steps, enclosed by a low capped wall with scroll ends. A low curving wall to the rear of the monument terminates in stone piers.
End of official list entry
