Cross 1914-18 1939-45 Guide Post

“In a prominent position in Guide Post village, by the side of the main road”.

At the corner near the Choppington Clinic.

To allow for road widening, the memorial was moved from the corner of the Guide Post Choppington Road to Morpeth Road at the top of Sheepwash Avenue.

a. 1914-18
b. 1939-45

a. Unveiled 2nd July 1921 by Mr. William Short of Monkseaton;
dedicated by Rev. J. Burdon.

b. Unveiled 19/10/1952 by Mr T.H. Cruddis of Guide Post
dedicated by Rev George H. Earle

Red sandstone throughout from Doddington Quarries

Choppington & District Soldiers’ and Sailors’ War Memorial Fund.

£230.

(Builder W. Robertson £191 15 shillings
R. Gibson, monumental sculptor, £12 17 shillings 4 pence;
Swinney Bros Ltd, paling, £10 10 shillings;
Total £215 2 shillings 4 pence the balance to be kept in the bank against repair bills).

Public subscription.
The site was given by Mr. William Short of Epworth House, Choppington.

Designed by Mr. Maughan;
Erected by Mr. Walter Robertson, Contractor, Guide Post.
Inscriptions done by Mr. Gibson of Newbiggin.
Painting of railings at the base of the monument painted by Mr. Dickenson.

They lived and died like Britons

For King and Country

Erected
in proud and grateful
remembrance of the men
connected with
Guide Post, Choppington
who laid down their lives
in the Great War
and whose names are
inscribed hereon
1914 – 1919
1939 – 1945

Cross on a pedestal “of cross and crown design”.

The whole monument stands about 22 feet high (6.7m).

The cross is about 36 inches high (91cms), standing on a shaft 72 inches high (183cms).

The main pedestal which bears the inscription is about 48 inches high x 24 inches wide (122cms x 61cms).

The sandstone base is about 48 inches wide(122cms).

The whole sits on three concrete steps, which suggest that the cross has been moved.

The names from 1914-18 are on the main stone in the middle, while those of 1939-45 are on the sloping stone which lies beneath this and on top of the main base support.

The letters are in sans serif capitals through.

1. Information received suggested that a photograph showing the cross in its original position was in the hands of the butcher at the roundabout at Guide Post. However, the man in question has died since, and his widow is not sure where the photograph is now.

2. It is not yet clear whether the William Short of Monkseaton who unveiled the Cross and the William Short of Choppington who gave the site are the same person.

3. “Had it not been for the coal stoppage the £230 would have been realised, but under the circumstances £216 9 shillings 8 pence was raised, leaving a deficit of £13 10 shillings and 4 pence.”

Historic England Listing

Photos: Philip Thirkell; Janet Brown

Alnwick & County Gazette
21/08/1920 reports donation of site by Mr. Short.

Blyth News
04/07/1921 reports unveiling.

Illustrated Chronicle
05/07/1921 carries photos of unveiling.

Morpeth Herald
11/04/1919 reports fund raising;
07/11/1919 reports fund raising football match;
05/11/1920 carries an appeal for funds, and reports the donation of the site;
25/02/1921 lists subscribers to the fund;
25/03/1921 reports fund raising;
08/07/1921 reports unveiling;
21/03/1952 reports meeting;
23/05/1952 advertises for Tenders;
12/09/1952 removing taking place;
01/09/1922 reports final costings.
10/10/1952 gives notice of unveiling;
31/10/1952 reports unveiling. (Available on The British Newspaper Archive)

Newcastle Daily Chronicle
04/07/1921 reports unveiling.

Newcastle Daily Journal
19/08/1920 reports donation of land, and memorial to cost £300.

Newcastle Weekly Chronicle
09/07/1921 reports unveiling.

North Mail
19/08/1920 mentions briefly that Mr. Short has given the site.

Shields Daily News
04/07/1921 carries brief report of unveiling.

Janet Brown;
Ralph W. Gould;
Wansbeck District Council;
Michael Newrick;
Dorothy Hall

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