Summary
First World War memorial, 1920, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Lealholm War Memorial, which stands to the S of the churchyard, 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 cross in the Celtic style ornamented with carved interlace patterns;
* Group value: with the Church of St James the Greater (Grade II*) and other adjacent Grade II-listed heritage assets.
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.
Details
The memorial stands on the verge to the S of the Church of St James the Greater (Grade II*-listed) and to the N of the Grade II-listed drinking fountain to the N of Lealholm Bridge (also Grade II). It takes the form of a tall Blue Bolton Wood stone wheel-head cross in the Celtic style. The cross arms are ornamented with interlace patterns carved in relief. The cross shaft rises from the tapering plinth, which stands on a two-stepped base.
End of official list entry
