Summary
First World War memorial, unveiled 1923, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
New Brancepeth War Memorial, which stands outside the village hall, 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 sacrifices it made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: a tall and imposing war memorial incorporating elements from 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. 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 New Brancepeth 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 c6.5m tall memorial stands in front of New Brancepeth Village Hall (formerly the Miners’ Institute, not listed). In polished red granite, it comprises a two stage base, square on plan, from which rises a central pier with a column to each corner. The columns support the pedimented and pinnacled top of the pier. A domed drum on top of the pediment supports a draped urn.
End of official list entry
