Summary
First World War memorial, 1922, with Second World War additions.
Description
First World War memorial, 1922.
MATERIALS: red sandstone.
DESCRIPTION: Culgaith War Memorial is located on a green by the roadside of the B6412, Culgaith, Cumbria. It is prominently situated facing a main road junction in the heart of the village. It comprises a red sandstone wheel-head cross adorned with Celtic-style scrollwork carving in relief, set on a plinth with a two-stepped base. The memorial is set upon a red sandstone hexagonal paved area surrounded with a low kerb and six post pads which carry ornamental iron posts and chain. The base of the shaft bears the dedication in relief carved lettering and the plinth and stepped base bear the names in incised lettering.
The inscription is in incised lettering and reads TO/ OUR/ GLORIOUS/ DEAD/ 1914 – 1918// (NAMES)// GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS/ THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS// (NAMES).
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 Culgaith as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.
Culgaith War Memorial commemorates four local servicemen who fell in the First World War and three men who fell in the Second World War. The memorial was unveiled on 25 June 1922 by Colonel T Fetherstonhaugh of The College, Kirkoswald and dedicated by the vicar, the Reverend J T Edwards.
Reasons for Listing
Culgaith War Memorial, which is situated on a green by the roadside of the B6412, 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 sacrifices it has made in the conflicts of the C20.
Architectural interest:
* as a simple but well-executed sandstone Celtic cross.
External Links
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
ENGLAND GUIDE TO POST WAR LISTED: A Guide to Post-war Listed Buildings
Gloucestershire 1: The Cotswolds: Cotswolds Pt. 1 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Cornwall (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Devon (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Maintaining and Repairing Old Houses: A Guide to Conservation, Sustainability and Economy
Herefordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)