Summary
First World War memorial, unveiled 1922, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Shotley Low Quarter War Memorial, which stands in the churchyard of St John’s Church, 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 elegant memorial cross decorated with intricate carved interlace patterns in the Celtic style;
* Group value: with the Church of St John (Grade II-listed).
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 Snods Edge for the parish of Shotley Low Quarter, 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 c4m tall granite memorial cross stands in the churchyard, c50m to the south-west of the Church of St John (Grade II-listed). It takes the form of a wheel-head cross. The cross head is decorated with a central hemispherical boss, and intricate interlace patterns carved in relief. The cross shaft stands on a three-stage base.
End of official list entry
