Summary
First World War memorial, unveiled 1921, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Middridge War Memorial, which stands to the south of The Green, 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 simple yet dignified war memorial cross.
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 Middridge 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 at the roadside to the south side of The Green, in a square enclosure marked by railings with, to the front, a gate and step from the pavement. The monument, c3m tall, takes the form of a plain Latin cross in rough-hewn grey granite. The cross shaft rises from a tapering pedestal which stands on a step.
End of official list entry
