Obelisk 1914-18 1939-45 Roadside

Roadside, set on a green on a gravel bed.

a. 1914-18
b. 1939-45

a. Unveiled 6th April 1924 by Major Wormald;
dedicated by Rev. H.W. Bircham, Vicar of Barnard Castle.

Freestone from Stainton quarry

War Memorial Committee, comprised of local ex-serviceman and the Parish Council; Mr. J.W. Bewick (Treasurer); Miss Mortimer (Secretary)

£89-£90

Site donated by Mr. Newcombe and Messrs. J.D. Wood & Co.
The Newcombe Estates had bought the Streatlam Estates.
Conveyance performed free by Mr. H.C. Watson.

Mr. F. Deacon, Barnard Castle.

Lest We Forget
In grateful memory of
the men of this township who
fell in the Great War 1914-18
(Names)
1939-1945
(Names)

Obelisk, of rough stone on a pedestal on two steps, total height 10 feet (3m).

The dedication and names are incised in two columns on the front of the pedestal using sans serif capitals throughout.

The front wall once had iron railings, now removed.

1. This was originally set in a small garden with railings. An older photo shows the memorial surrounded by trees, but these have been cleared away.

2. The first meeting of the Parish Council was held on April 20th 1920 at which they agreed to hold a public meeting. On 18/05/1922 they decided to ask Barnard Castle R.D.C. for permission to erect the memorial.

3. In 1922 the Streatlam Estates of the Earl of Strathmore were put up for sale by the Newcombe Estates of Market Harborough. In 1924 a conveyance was made between the Earl of Strathmore and others to the Newcombe Estates handing over the land “with the exception of . . .the said site for a permanent war memorial to the officers and men of the said Parish of Streatlam and Stainton who fell in the great war . . .The Parish Council covenants with the Company that they or their successors and assigns will from time to time and at all times hereafter so far as they can lawfully can keep in good repair and condition the said land and memorial thereon and permit the inhabitants of the said Parish have enjoyment of the said memorial.”

4. “A more appropriate site for the memorial could not be found. It was close to the school where the lads were educated, where they were first taught to read and write and do sums, and where above all they learned the first principles of true manhood and true citizenship”

Historic England Listing

Photos: Simon Raine; June Watson, Katharine Harris; Dorothy Hall

Northern Echo
07/04/1924 reports unveiling.

Teesdale Mercury
27/04/1924 reports unveiling.

Stainton and Streatlam Parish Council
Minutes 20/04/1920 and 20/04/1926

Source of quotation:
“Lest we forget” Recessional Rudyard Kipling

Fitzhugh Collection, Middleton in Teesdale;
C. Sanders;
June Watson;
Dorothy Hall;
Katharine Harris