Cross 1914-18 1939-45 Roadside

War Memorial Green, Stephenson Terrace / Main Road.
North end of Wylam bridge.

Memorial green was originally enclosed by railings, which were removed during 1939-45.

a. 1914-1918
b. 1939-1945

a. Unveiled 10th March 1923 by C.J.W. Blackett, Lord of the Manor; dedicated by Rev. H.H. Barff

Cross of Windy Nook stone on steps of Heworth stone encircled by York flagstones.

Wylam War Memorial Committee

Estimated £700.

Public subscription

W. Dixon and Sons, Newcastle.

Erected by
the people of
Wylam
in grateful memory
of those who
gave their lives
in the Great War
1914-1918

“They were a wall unto us
both by night and day.”
I.Sam.xxv.16.

Cross of Gothic type, hexagonal, on tall octagonal pedestal, total height 9m.

The whole stands on a stepped base 4m in diameter.

Bronze plaques each 36 inches high x 20 inches wide (91 cm x 51 cm) on three sides of the main pedestal bear the inscriptions,

Each plaque has a raised border of string pattern, and raised lettering.

The plaque bearing the dedication has a wreath in half relief at the bottom.

All lettering is in elongated Roman capitals, apart from the Scripture quotation, which is in sans serif capitals.

1. Gold medals were presented to the families of the fallen, and also to the soldiers and sailors who returned, names are given.

2. This was the site chosen by the people, but rejected by the Squire. However, after his death, his son acceded to the public’s wish and gifted the site to the parish council.

3. Sir James Knott offered to provide the memorial, but this was turned down by the villagers who wanted to provide it themselves.

4. Photocopies of the unveiling ceremony were donated from the Philip R.B. Brooks Collection.

5. At a meeting called in March 1919, the proposal for a war memorial was discussed, and a letter was read from Colonel Blackett suggesting the movement was premature as the war was not yet over. It was agreed to set up a war memorial committee to discuss the matter.

6. “An average of one in every six of our little community had offered themselves for the defence of our liberties. Fifteen per cent of those were now missing, and it was in honour of their memory that we assembled that day before this memorial.”

Historic England Listing

Photos: P. Thirkell; J. Brown; T. Harding; Alan Wallace; David Petrie; Photo of unveiling 1923: Vincent Smith

Blaydon Courier
15/03/1919 reports “too early” decision.

Hexham Courant
27/03/1920 reports handing out of medals who returned; 27/11/1920 includes letter of indignation that Col. Blackett will not sell the land for the memorial.

Hexham Weekly News
17/09/1920 reports a letter from Col. Blackett saying that he would not be able to transact any business for at least six months with the War Memorial Committee.

Illustrated Chronicle
26/02/1919 reports Sir James Knott’s offer; 10/10/1922 carries drawing; 12/03/1923 reports unveiling with photos.

Newcastle Daily Chronicle
26/02/1919 reports proposals; 02/05/1922 reports unveiling.

Newcastle Daily Chronicle and North Mail
10/10/1922 reports expected unveiling; 06/03/1923 reports proposed unveiling; 12/03/1923 reports unveiling.

Newcastle Weekly Chronicle
14/10/1922 reports progress; 17/03/1923 reports unveiling.

Northern Echo
24/02/1923 reports proposed unveiling; 12/03/1923 reports unveiling.

The Northumbrian
Issue 140 June/July 2014 tells the story of research into the names on the memorial.

Newcastle Central Library
Photo 1930?;
Wylam Globe Winter 1979/80 No. 27 page 2

Source of quotation:
“They were a wall unto us both by night and day.” I.Sam.xxv.16.

Prudhoe Local History Society;
Philip R.B. Brooks;
C.N. Dallison;
Paul Graham (Prudhoe LHS);
Janet Brown;
Dorothy Hall;
Alan Wallace;
David Petrie;
Vincent Smith

If you are researching this memorial please contact 2014@newmp.org.uk