Summary
First World War memorial, 1921, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Greenside War Memorial, which stands in the garden at the junction of Lead Road and Spen Lane, 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: a well-proportioned and handsome obelisk in the Classical style.
History
The aftermath of the First World War saw the biggest single wave of public commemoration ever with tens of thousands of memorials erected across England, both as a result of the huge impact the loss of three quarters of a million British lives had on communities and the official policy of not repatriating the dead, which meant that the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss.
Details
The memorial stands at the north-east corner of a small memorial garden between Lead Road and Spen Lane. Approximately 6m tall, the Greenlaw stone memorial takes the form of a Classical obelisk. The slender obelisk, square on plan, is ornamented with a small swag and PRO/ PATRIA carved in low relief to the front face. The obelisk’s foot is decorated with laurels on each side, carved in low relief.
End of official list entry
