Summary
First World War memorial, 1921, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Brancepeth War Memorial, which stands in the churchyard of the Church of St Brandon, 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: an elegant memorial cross in the medieval style;
* Group value: with the Church of St Brandon (Grade I-listed), the park of Brancepeth Castle (Grade II-registered) and a number of other listed structures.
History
Brancepeth War Memorial was unveiled on 2 June 1921 by Lt-Col Hugh Bowes RD DL and dedicated by the Venerable PA Derry, Archdeacon of Auckland, in commemoration of 16 local servicemen who died during the First World War. The stone for the memorial, and the stonemasons' labour, had been donated by Viscount Boyne of Brancepeth Castle and the remaining costs of £148 12s 8d were raised by public subscription in the estate village. The cross was designed by WH Wood of Newcastle. Following the Second World War the details of one soldier who died in that conflict were added to the memorial.
Details
The memorial stands in the churchyard of the Church of St Brandon (Grade I-listed), within the Grade II-registered park of Brancepeth Castle. Built in Heworth stone and c6m tall, it comprises a cross fleury with a moulded foot rising from a tapering, octagonal, shaft. There is a shield carved at the cross arms bearing the monogram IHS. The cross shaft stands on a small pedestal with broach stops to the corners and a stepped, tapering, foot. That stands on a three-stepped, square, base.
End of official list entry
