Plaque 1914-18 Fanny Pit

Fanny Pit, Sheriff Hill.

In the Lodge Room.

Beamish Mary Pub, No Place near Beamish

1914-18

Unveiled May 1919 by Major English.

?Brass

Fanny Pit
Roll of Honour
Erected by
the Officials and Workmen
as a token of respect to the
following comrades who have fallen
in the Great War, 1914-1918

“Greater love hath no man than this,
That a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Plaque 6½ inches high x 4½ inches wide (16cms x 11cms).

There is a single line border culminating in different Celtic-type knots in each corner and with a small device at the half way points.

The name of the Pit and “Roll of Honour” are raised in a sunken panel at the top.

The names are listed in two columns divided by a vertical line.

Lettering is in Roman capitals.

The quotation at the bottom is in sans serif capitals.

1. The plaque in the Beamish Mary Pub, No Place, Beamish was acquired by the then landlord John Taylor in about 1987. It was amongst some items given to him as he set the pub up with pit memorabilia. His friend from Gateshead was called John Purdy who had a family connection with the Fanny Pit (The names include Private Robert Purdy) John Taylor left the pub 10 years ago and left all the items in the pub. He is now the landlord at the Sun Inn in Beamish Museum.

2. There was another Fanny Pit at Sheriff Hill but it closed before 1900. The Fanny Pit at Heworth closed in 1956.

3. At the same ceremony, presentations of a gold watch were made to Sergt. J. Nattrass, M.M. and Sergt H. Walker, M.S.M. Sergt. J.W. Marr, M.S.M. was given a gold albert and medallion.

4. The flag which covered the memorial was presented to Major English, agent to the Heworth Coal Company, as this was the first memorial unveiled by him.

Photos: Dorothy Hall

Illustrated Chronicle
15/05/1919 reports unveiling with photo.

Newcastle Weekly Chronicle
17/05/1919 reports unveiling.

North Mail
13/05/1919 reports unveiling.

Dorothy Hall;
Mike Goundry

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