Summary
First World War memorial, 1921, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Middleton-in-Teesdale War Memorial, which stands in Horsemarket, 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 obelisk in the Classical style, with a contemporary enclosure.
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: therefore the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss. One such memorial was raised at Middleton-in-Teesdale 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 towards the north-western end of Horsemarket in a triangular green. It is approached by a paved path* from the road. The green is enclosed by a low stone wall with piers, from which hang spiked chains. The memorial takes the form of a tall obelisk, square on plan, which rises from the corniced cap of a pedestal. The pedestal stands on a three-stage base.
End of official list entry
