Summary
First World War memorial, 1923.
Reasons for Designation
The war memorial standing in the churchyard of the Church of St Godric, Durham, 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 First World War;
* Degree of survival: the war memorial has not been adapted for Second World War commemoration, and retains its original design;
* Group value: with the Church of St Godric (Grade II-listed).
History
As early as November 1915 the incumbent of St Godric’s Church, Reverend Canon Thornton, had suggested that the parishioners should plan to erect a war memorial. He called a parish meeting two years later, recommending that each family in the parish aim to donate £1 over the course of 1918. The war memorial was unveiled on 13 May 1923 by Lt-Col J R Ritson, 8th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. It was dedicated by Reverend Canon Thornton in commemoration of 40 local servicemen who had died during the First World War.
Details
The memorial stands in the grounds of the Church of St Godric (Grade II-listed), on the north side overlooking Castle Chare and with views out over the city of Durham. It comprises a tall, gabled, Calvary cross in Portland stone. The cross shaft rises from a six-sided pedestal, trapezoidal on plan. The front face of the pedestal is a panel of blind arcading on which the principal dedicatory inscription is carved: THIS/ MONUMENT WAS/ ERECTED BY THE/ MEMBERS OF/ ST. GODRIC'S PARISH/ TO THE/ MEMORY OF THOSE/ BRAVE MEN FROM/ THIS PARISH/ WHO LAID DOWN/ THEIR LIVES IN/ DEFENCE OF THEIR/ COUNTRY IN THE/ GREAT WAR/ 1914-1918. / R.I.P.
End of official list entry
