Summary
First World War memorial, with later additions for the Second World War. Restored in 2000.
Reasons for Designation
Hamsterley Colliery War Memorial, which stands on the main road in Hamsterley, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
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 Hamsterley as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by those colliery men who lost their lives in the First World War.
Details
Hamsterley Colliery war memorial cross stands in a garden to the north of the main road through the village, opposite Axford Terrace. The tall stone cross is raised on a low bank with to the north a rake of steps leading down onto the lower lawn. A curving hedge encloses the lawn, screening the view to the River Derwent below, whilst modern railings* (that have replaced the original wooden fence) front the garden to the street.
End of official list entry
