Memorial Details
Memorial
Sarcophagus 1914-18 1939-45 Roadside
Reference
F47.01
Place
FENCE HOUSES
Map ref
NZ 315504
Original Location
Roadside, Morton Crescent, opposite Burnside Crescent, near Burnside W.M. Club
Which war
a. 1914-18
b. 1939-45
b. 1939-45
Dedication, Creation or Publication date
a. Unveiled 23rd September 1922 by Lord Joicey, dedicated by Rev. A.F. Gadd, rector of Burnmoor.
Memorial Description
Sarcophagus in style of Greek tomb 11 feet 6 inches high and 11 feet 6 inches wide of ashlar walls in small paved garden with seats and wood fence. At the top is a plaque with the words “Lest We Forget”. At centre, a panel 71 mm high x 143 mm wide has been sunk into the stonework with gabled top above.
The surround to the plaque is decorated with spiral and Greek key designs incised into the stonework. The dedication on the panel is in Roman capitals throughout, the lettering incised and gilded.
Two smaller plaques have been added in honour of those who have fallen since 1945. The first carries a blocked outline of England, Scotland and Wales. The second carries an outline of a cross. Lettering on both is in Roman.
The surround to the plaque is decorated with spiral and Greek key designs incised into the stonework. The dedication on the panel is in Roman capitals throughout, the lettering incised and gilded.
Two smaller plaques have been added in honour of those who have fallen since 1945. The first carries a blocked outline of England, Scotland and Wales. The second carries an outline of a cross. Lettering on both is in Roman.
Materials used
Greenlane freestone. Pink Balmoral marble plaque.
Inscription
of all those gallant men of
Fence Houses
and District
who gave up their lives
in the Great Wars
1914-1918
1939-1945
British Armed Forces
killed in action
serving this nation
1945 – present day
“They laid down their lives
in the defence of this Kingdom”.
wish to embrace
British Armed Forces
who lost their lives
1945 – present day
in the tributes and thoughts
expressed on this memorial
Names
None
Who commissioned
Memorial Fund Committee
Cost
£480
How money was raised
Site given by Lambton and Hetton Collieries.
Present condition
Repaired 2003
Sculptor, Artist or Designer
Architect: Cowe and Lawson of Chester le Street; Builder: S.E. Smith of Ropery Lane, Chester le Street.
Repairs in 2003 by Abbey Stonecraft.
Repairs in 2003 by Abbey Stonecraft.
Ownership and maintenance
Handed over to Morton Grange Parish Council at the unveiling ceremony.
Notes
1. The original memorial was for the 1914-18 war. To make the alteration for 1939-45, the word “War” was pluralised, and the dates added in at the bottom.
2. In the 1914-18 war, approx. 1,500 men from the district went to war, of whom about 125 died.
3. At the unveiling, Lord Joicey suggested that a Roll of Honour of all who served be made.
4. The original design was to have been of Portland or Heworth Burn stone, but these were too expensive. The monument was to be enclosed at the back by a stone curtain and a small stone kerb with suitably designed railings on the wings.
5. Other designs considered were: a community hall, based on YMCA lines; sports field inc. bowling green and tennis courts; a drinking fountain, a plaque bearing the names.
6. In 2004, flood lighting and benches was provided.
7. This memorial has a steep approach which proved difficult for the Remembrance Day parade, so a newer memorial was erected at Chilton Moor. The parade takes place there, though wreath are still placed on this memorial at Fence Houses.
2. In the 1914-18 war, approx. 1,500 men from the district went to war, of whom about 125 died.
3. At the unveiling, Lord Joicey suggested that a Roll of Honour of all who served be made.
4. The original design was to have been of Portland or Heworth Burn stone, but these were too expensive. The monument was to be enclosed at the back by a stone curtain and a small stone kerb with suitably designed railings on the wings.
5. Other designs considered were: a community hall, based on YMCA lines; sports field inc. bowling green and tennis courts; a drinking fountain, a plaque bearing the names.
6. In 2004, flood lighting and benches was provided.
7. This memorial has a steep approach which proved difficult for the Remembrance Day parade, so a newer memorial was erected at Chilton Moor. The parade takes place there, though wreath are still placed on this memorial at Fence Houses.
Newspaper cuttings, photos or archival material
Photos: C. Sanders; Dorothy Hall; Simon Raine; Old postcard: Dorothy Hall
Newcastle Weekly Chronicle 30/09/1922
Sunderland Echo 25/09/1922 page 6
Shields Daily News 13/07/1922
Durham County Advertiser 28/09/1922
Chester-le-Street Chronicle 1919 and 1920 passim report various suggestions; 21/07/1922 reports final plans; 29/09/1922 reports unveiling.
Illustrated Chronicle 25/09/1922 reports unveiling with photos
Northern Echo 25/09/1922 reports unveiling.
Durham Chronicle 29/09/1922 reports unveiling.
Stanley and Chester-le-Street News 28/09/1922 reports unveiling.
Newcastle Weekly Chronicle 15/07/1922 reports appointment of builders etc.; 30/09/1922 reports unveiling.
Newcastle Daily Journal 11/11/1922; 16/04/1920 reports proposal for a YMCA building
The People’s History: Great Lumley & Fence Houses Lena Cooper 2001 ISBN 1 902527 267 carries a photo of Edward Charlton in R.A.F. uniform in 1942 on page 112
Source of quotation:
“Lest we forget” Recessional Rudyard Kipling
Newcastle Weekly Chronicle 30/09/1922
Sunderland Echo 25/09/1922 page 6
Shields Daily News 13/07/1922
Durham County Advertiser 28/09/1922
Chester-le-Street Chronicle 1919 and 1920 passim report various suggestions; 21/07/1922 reports final plans; 29/09/1922 reports unveiling.
Illustrated Chronicle 25/09/1922 reports unveiling with photos
Northern Echo 25/09/1922 reports unveiling.
Durham Chronicle 29/09/1922 reports unveiling.
Stanley and Chester-le-Street News 28/09/1922 reports unveiling.
Newcastle Weekly Chronicle 15/07/1922 reports appointment of builders etc.; 30/09/1922 reports unveiling.
Newcastle Daily Journal 11/11/1922; 16/04/1920 reports proposal for a YMCA building
The People’s History: Great Lumley & Fence Houses Lena Cooper 2001 ISBN 1 902527 267 carries a photo of Edward Charlton in R.A.F. uniform in 1942 on page 112
Source of quotation:
“Lest we forget” Recessional Rudyard Kipling
External web link
Links to Source Material :
Additional Research documents (click to download)
Research acknowledgements
C. Sanders; Fitzhugh Collection, Middleton in Teesdale; Brian Chater; Don Lynn; Abbey Stonecraft; Dorothy Hall; David Sloan
Research In Progress
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Sarcophagus 1914-18 1939-45 Roadside (F47.01)
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Parish Notes
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