Summary
First World War memorial, 1925, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Byers Green War Memorial, which stands at the junction of Church Street and Hagg 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: an elegant memorial cross;
* Group value: with the Grade II-listed former National School and Schoolmaster’s House.
History
Byers Green war memorial, by Messrs Lowes of Durham, was unveiled on 12 April 1925 by Dr T A Beresford Kane JP and dedicated by Reverend F E Loxley. It commemorates 39 local servicemen who died during the First World War. The memorial cost £330, raised by public subscription and through fund raising events. Following the Second World War the details of nine men who died in that conflict were added and the memorial was re-dedicated on 6 June 1948 by Reverend R Cartwright. At that time the memorial was re-furbished by William Allison and Sons at a cost of £175, completing works which could not be afforded in 1925.
Details
The tall granite memorial stands at the junction of Church Street and Hagg Road, opposite the Grade II-listed former National School and Schoolmaster’s House. It comprises a Maltese cross rising from a tapered shaft with moulded foot ring. That stands on a corniced plinth with moulded base. The plinth’s edges are chamfered and the four faces are polished. There is a low grill at the front of the base to hold wreaths against the memorial. The whole is raised on a low stone step, enclosed by an iron rail.
End of official list entry
