Summary
First World War memorial, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Knarsdale War Memorial, which stands in the churchyard of St Jude’s Church, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
* Historic interest: as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: an elegant memorial in the Classical style incorporating a carving of a sheathed sword symbolising the end of conflict.
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. This was the result of both the huge impact on communities of the loss of three quarters of a million British lives, and also 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. One such memorial was raised at Knarsdale as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by five members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. The memorial was provided by Messrs Beattie and Co of Carlisle and paid for through public subscription. Following the Second World War the names of two men who died in that conflict were added.
Details
The tall granite memorial, circa 4m high, stands in the NE corner of the churchyard of St Jude’s Church (not listed). It takes the form of a Celtic cross that stands on the corniced top of a tall pedestal, square on plan. The pedestal stands on a two-stage base. The memorial is enclosed by a low square kerb that carries an iron rail on metal corner posts.
End of official list entry
