Summary

First World War memorial with later additions for the Second World War.

Description

Butterknowle War Memorial stands on the north side of Pinfold Lane in central Butterknowle. It comprises a stone obelisk, square on plan, rising from a pedimented plinth. That stands on a four-stage base. The memorial is enclosed by a low stone wall carrying railings, and is approached from the pavement through a wrought iron gate.

The principal dedicatory inscription on the front face of the plinth reads TO THE MEMORY/ OF/ THE MEN/ OF BUTTERKNOWLE/ WHO FELL IN THE/ GREAT WAR/ 1914 - - 1918. Below this on the upper stage of the base is “GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN/ THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE/ FOR HIS FRIENDS.” ST JOHN 15C 3V with “LET THOSE WHO COME AFTER SEE TO IT/ THAT THEIR NAMES BE NOT FORGOTTEN” on the stage below.

The First World War names are listed on either side of the plinth. Below the scriptural quotations the Second World War dedication reads ALSO TO THE MEMORY OF THOSE WHO MADE/ THE SUPREME SACRIFICE IN THE WAR/ 1939 – 1945 (NAMES)/ THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVER.

This List entry has been amended to add sources for War Memorials Online and the War Memorials Register. These sources were not used in the compilation of this List entry but are added here as a guide for further reading, 7 February 2017.

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. One such memorial was raised at Butterknowle as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the 23 members of the local community, who lost their lives in the First World War. At a later date a dedication was added for the ten men who died during the Second World War.

Reasons for Listing

Butterknowle War Memorial, which stands on Pinfold Lane, 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 well-executed obelisk in the Classical style.

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q26677981

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Staffordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Wiltshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Specifications for Building Conservation: Volume 1: External Structure: Practical Examples v. 2
• 
  Lancashire: Liverpool and the South-West (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Kent: West and the Weald: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Sussex: West (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)