Memorial

Arch 1914-18 4th N.F. Beaumont Street

Hexham

Memorial Name: Arch 1914-18 4th N.F. Beaumont Street (H51.02)

NEWMP Ref No.: H51.02

Parish: Hexham

Original Location:

Beaumont Street, entrance to the Abbey grounds.

Which War:

1914-18

Dedication, Creation or Publication date:

Unveiled 25th October 1919 by Major General Sir Percy Wilkinson, Col. N.F.
Dedicated by Rev. J.E. McVitie (also spelt McVittee and McVittie).

Materials Used:

Stone arch and bronze plaques.

Who Commissioned:

James T. Robb, J.P.

Ownership and Maintenance: Hexham Urban Council accepted the memorial at the unveiling ceremony.

Inscription:

Left hand pillar:
This arch was presented to the
Town to commemorate the services
of the 4th Northumberland Fusil-
iers (TF) in France and Belgium
during the war 1915-1918

The Companies were from
the following places
A. Hexham
B. Bellingham
C. Haydon Bridge
D. Prudhoe
E. Corbridge
F. Haltwhistle
G. Newburn
H. Prudhoe
Headquarters Hexham.

The gift of J.T.R. 1919

Right hand pillar:
The Battalion mobilised at Hexham
on August 4th 1914 & proceeded to
France on April 20th 1915
It took part in the fighting
at the following places
1915 April-May Ypres (St. Julien)
May-July Hooge Sanctuary Wood, Wulverghem
Aug-Nov Armentieres
1915-6 Dec-March Hill 60 (Ypres)
1916 April-July Wytschaete.Kemmel
1916-7 Aug-Jan The Somme (High Wood.Eaucourt
L’Abbaye.Butte De Warlencourt)
1917 Feb-March The Somme (Belloy)
April-May Arras (Wancourt.Croissilles)
May-Sept Arras (Cherisy,Fontaineles.Croissilles)
1917-8 Oct-Feb Ypres (Houthulst Forest.
Passchendaele)
1918 March St. Quentin
April The Lys
May Craonne Hill Chemin des Dames
June The Aisne.

The gift of J.T.R. 1919

For exact layout see downloadable transcript below

Memorial Description:

Gateway arch approx. 20 feet high x 11 feet wide (6m x 3.5m).

It is a late 17th or early 18th Century stone gateway; rusticated, moulded impost and arch-vault, entablature and segmented pediment over.

The gates are each 81 inches high x 32 inches wide (207cms x 82cms).

Two plaques 32 inches high x 20 inches wide (81cms x 50cms) are mounted, one on on each upright, facing the road. Each has a half-rounded top containing a mounted St.George slaying the dragon. The lettering is raised in casting ad gilded using elaborate upper case and italics.

Names:

None

Notes:

1. The arch was originally the entrance to the White Hart Inn at the south end of Fore Street (east side). The Inn was demolished and a shoe shop and Robb’s Department Store now occupy the site.

2. In a letter to Hexham Courant, Mr. Robb wrote to announce his presentation of the gateway “. . . In order to commemorate the splendid services of the 4th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (TF) throughout the war, and as a personal thank offering for the return of my three sons”.

3. Of the 30 officers who formed part of the original battalion, 8 were killed and 14 were wounded.

4. The arch was also erected as a personal thankoffering for the safe return of Mr. Robb’s three sons, who had the “unique distinction of holding captaincies together in the battalion”.

5. In 1998 in time for 80th anniversary of Armistice Day the two commemorative plaques were restored and regilded. The restoration was paid for by the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, and the work carried out by Corbridge-based signwriters, Northumbria Sign and Design, aided by local computer company Fellcroft.

6. Robb’s store closed finally in 2020.

External Links:

Historic England Listing

Sources:

Photos: C.N. Dallison; Tony Harding

Haltwhistle Echo
31/10/1919 reports at length on the unveiling.

Hexham Courant
08/03/1919 contains letter from Mr. Robb regarding his intention to give the gateway;
01/11/1919 reports unveiling, with picture;
13/11/1998 reports restoration.

Hexham Weekly News
07/03/1919 reports Mr. Robb’s proposals

Illustrated Chronicle
27/10/1919 reports unveiling with photos.

Newcastle Daily Chronicle
27/10/1919 reports unveiling.

Newcastle Weekly Chronicle
05/03/1919 reports acceptance of arch;
01/11/1919 reports unveiling.

Northern Echo
27/10/1919 reports unveiling.

North Mail
27/10/1919 reports unveiling.

The Journal
06/11/1998 and 07/11/1998 reports repairs in time for 80th Armistice Day anniversary.

Hexham Historian
No. 17 carries an article entitled “Sports, War and Business” which tells the story of three sons of James T. Robb. Published by Hexham Local History Society. ISSN 1323-0563. https://www.hexhamhistorian.org/