Summary
First World War memorial, unveiled 1919, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Norham War Memorial, which stands on the green at the northern end of Pedwell Way, 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 richly ornamented cross in the early medieval style;
* Group value: with a number of Grade II-listed buildings.
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 Norham 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 a small triangular green at the north end of Pedwell Way, in close proximity to surrounding buildings listed at Grade II. The c5m tall sandstone cross is decorated with interlace patterns carved in relief to the upper parts of the front face. Below these the lower part of the cross shaft carries the principal dedicatory inscription, with letters cut in relief, reading ERECTED IN MEMORY/ OF OFFICERS, NCOS AND/ MEN OF NORHAM WHO/ FELL IN THE WAR OF/ 1914-1918/ (NAMES)/ 1939 – 1945/ (NAMES).
End of official list entry
