Summary
First World War memorial, unveiled 1920.
Reasons for Designation
The war memorial to Private Fairless in Limestone Brae burial ground, West Allen, 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 made in the First World War;
* Architectural interest: a simple yet poignant 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.
Details
The memorial stands in the burial ground to the south-west side of the road through West Allendale, c300m to the north-west of the former Methodist Church (Grade II-listed). It takes the form of a small stone floriated cross that stands on a three-stage base. The monogram HIS is carved in low relief at the centre of the cross head.
End of official list entry
