Memorial Details
Memorial
Pulpit 1914-18 St. Thomas of Canterbury R.C.
Reference
W128.01
Place
WOLSINGHAM
Map ref
NZ 076374
Original Location
St. Thomas of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church, Rectory Lane.
Which war
1914-18
Dedication, Creation or Publication date
Unveiled 29th April 1923 by Mr. J.E. Rogerson, M.P.; blessed by Rev. Father O’Donoghue of Blackhill.
Memorial Description
Pulpit, 42 inches high x 51 inches broad, with three sides, in Gothic style with traceried panels. Originally raised on a narrower foot, this has been reduced, following an attack of woodworm to form a lectern.
On the wall alongside are two plaques, a larger one with smaller one underneath, on a wood pattress with matching traceried top, 38 inches high x 22 inches wide. The larger plaque bears the names of those who died during the 1914-18 war. The smaller plaque below lists two who died after the war and are buried in the churchyard. Lettering is in Roman capitals throughout, with some red initials.
The two plaques were originally attached to the pulpit but when this was reduced in size, the plaques were fixed to the wall nearby.
On the wall alongside are two plaques, a larger one with smaller one underneath, on a wood pattress with matching traceried top, 38 inches high x 22 inches wide. The larger plaque bears the names of those who died during the 1914-18 war. The smaller plaque below lists two who died after the war and are buried in the churchyard. Lettering is in Roman capitals throughout, with some red initials.
The two plaques were originally attached to the pulpit but when this was reduced in size, the plaques were fixed to the wall nearby.
Materials used
Wolsingham oak pulpit; 2 brass plaques on wood pattress.
Inscription
To the memory of / (names) / who died in the Great War / 1914-1918 / this pulpit was erected / by the Congregation of / St. Thomas of Canterbury / 1921. / R.I.P.
Names
Who commissioned
The Congregation.
Present condition
This has been cut down to form a lectern.
Sculptor, Artist or Designer
Mr. John Dobinson of Dobinson’s Yard, Wolsingham, an ex-service man.
Ownership and maintenance
St. Thomas of Canterbury Church.
Notes
1. Three of the remembered casualties are buried in the Churchyard, with CWGC headstones – see Every Name a Story Page. It appears that the main commemorative panel had probably been commissioned before the deaths of Privates Cox and Lockey (1919 and 1921 respectively) and so the small plaque bearing their names, in exactly the same style and lettering, was added below the main one.
2. The oak from which the pulpit was created had been felled 25 years before.
2. The oak from which the pulpit was created had been felled 25 years before.
Newspaper cuttings, photos or archival material
Photo: John and Mavis Dixon
Darlington & Stockton Times 05/05/1923 reports unveiling.
Durham Chronicle 14/11/1974 carries a short article about Dobinson who made the pulpit with photo in its original form.
The Monumental Brasses of County Durham William Lack, H. Martin Stuchfield and Philip Whittemore 2002 ISBN 095 4327101
Darlington & Stockton Times 05/05/1923 reports unveiling.
Durham Chronicle 14/11/1974 carries a short article about Dobinson who made the pulpit with photo in its original form.
The Monumental Brasses of County Durham William Lack, H. Martin Stuchfield and Philip Whittemore 2002 ISBN 095 4327101
External web link
Links to Source Material :
Research acknowledgements
Fitzhugh Collection, Middleton in Teesdale; Dorothy Hall; Mrs Josie Green, Sacristan; John and Mavis Dixon
Research In Progress
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. www.weardalemuseum.org.uk
Opening Hours 2pm - 5pm, Easter and Bank Holidays, May, June, July, Sept, and October (Wednesday to Sunday inclusive). Every afternoon in August.
Contact ken.heatherington@btinternet.com
Pulpit 1914-18 St. Thomas of Canterbury R.C. (W128.01)
WOLSINGHAM St. Thomas of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church
To the Memory of
Capt. W.E. Rogerson
Sapper James Hopper
Pte. Thomas Burke
Pte. George Bowe
Pte. Joseph P. Lally
Pte. Richard Whitfield
Corpl. John B. Stewart
who died in the Great War
1914-1918
this pulpit was erected
by the Congregation of
St. Thomas of Canterbury
1921.
R.I.P.
Pte. Cornelius Cox
Pte. Henry W. Lockey M.M.
NamesW128.01
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Parish Notes
Every Name A Story
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