Trees 1914-18 Grammar School

Wolsingham Grammar School, In playing field.

Now Wolsingham School, Wolsingham DL13 3DJ. NZ 06862 37248

1914-18

Planting started in 1918 and more in 1919.

Rededicated by the Bishop of Durham on November 11th 1998; again on 11th November 2009

?Brass plaque.

Grammar School

Staff and pupils.

The Memorial Oaks

These trees were planted
in memory of Old Boys
who fell in the Great War

“Non timidi pro patria mori”

18 mature oak trees, one for each of the former pupils killed.

In the south-east corner of the field there is a plaque bearing the dedication, on which the border and lettering are raised to stand proud using sans serif capitals throughout.

Each tree had an individual brass plaque fixed to the fence beside the sapling when planted.

These have been replaced by small modern plaques of bronze plastic material, carrying the details.

1. The original sum raised left a deficit. The Headmaster launched another appeal which was intended not only to clear the debt but to pay for another memorial in the school, which was the frame of photographs. The names are in the same order as the photographs. See W120.04

2. “Non timidi pro patria mori” translates as “Not afraid to die for their country”

Photo: John and Mavis Dixon

Darlington & Stockton Times
27/12/1919 reports school reunion

Northern Echo
12/11/2009 reports re-dedication.
09/11/2019 tells the story of the trees.

The Response The occasional magazine of the Northumberland and Durham Branch of the Western Front Association No.7 (new series) bears photos and an article telling the story.

A History of Wolsingham Grammar School, 1997, Anita Atkinson tells about the memorial oak trees on pp.28-30 and on pp.31-37 gives brief biographies of the students who died.

Jim Winter,
John and Mavis Dixon;
Fitzhugh Collection, Middleton in Teesdale;
Alan Vickers;
Tony Harding

Ken Heatherington has researched the names on the local memorials.

His research is available at Weardale Museum and High House Chapel, Ireshopeburn Co Durham DL13 1HD.

For opening hours consult www.weardalemuseum.org.uk

Contact ken.heatherington@btinternet.com