Summary
First World War memorial designed by Mr Maughan, unveiled 1921, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Guide Post War Memorial, which stands on Morpeth Road, 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 tall and imposing memorial cross in a regional stone.
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 Guide Post 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 c3.5m tall memorial stands on a grassy plot on Morpeth Road. Built of Red sandstone from the Doddington quarries, it comprises a small wheel-head cross at the top of a tapering shaft, which stands on the pedimented top of the plinth. The base of the plinth stands on a three-stepped base.
End of official list entry
