Summary
First World War memorial cross, 1921.
Reasons for Designation
Leadgate War Memorial, which stands on Durham 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 the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: an intricately carved Celtic cross in granite.
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 Leadgate as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.
Details
The memorial stands on Durham Road, in a rectangular enclosure defined by a low kerb, close to the entrance to Eden Park (Leadgate Football Ground). The kerb carries new ornamental railings and gate. The memorial cross in granite is circa 4m tall, in the form of a Celtic cross rising from a tapering pedestal. The pedestal stands on a granite base, which stands on a stone step surrounded by slab paving. The front face of the wheel-head is ornamented with interlace patterns carved in relief.
End of official list entry
