Cross 1914-18 1939-45 Korea 1952 Green

High Street, on green at division of feeder road and main road in the town centre.

a. 1914-18
b. 1939-45
c. Korea, 1952

a. Drinking fountain unveiled Sunday, 23rd January 1921 by Lord Armstrong.

Local stone from Denwick quarry.

War Memorial Committee.

£600

Public subscription

Designed by Reavell and Tebbs, Alnwick.
Made by Muckle and Sons, Builders.

a.
To the memory of
those of this Parish who gave
their lives for their country.
(Names)
European War
1914 – 1919

b.
To the memory of
those of this Parish who gave
their lives for their country.
(Names)
World War
1939 – 1945

c.
None

“They shall grow not old as we that
are left grow old
Age shall not weary them nor the years
condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the
morning
We will remember them.”

Cross and fountain.

Column 79 inches square (2m) surmounted by a stumpy cross, total height approx. 23 foot (7m), standing in a small enclosure with white painted iron fence and grass.

The cross has a bronze sword affixed to the front.

The names for 1914-18 are listed in two columns on the front, those for 1939-45 in two columns on the back with the name from the Korean war at the bottom of this list.

Binyon’s verse is on the third side.

The fourth side is blank.

In each case the lettering is incised and painted black, using sans serif capitals throughout.

The dates themselves are on the lower faces.

At the base of the front and back are drinking troughs, now filled with flowers.

The whole is surrounded by a white fence with a flagpole.

1. The memorial was to have been unveiled by Maj. Gen. Sir Percival Wilkinson, C.B., K.C.M.G., who commanded the Division at the Front to which Rothbury men were attached. However, his car had broken down, and Lord Armstrong officiated in his place.

2. War Memorial Committee secretary was John Brown, a draper and outfitter in Rothbury.

3. First meeting was held in the Jubilee Hall to discuss proposals. Suggestions made were a stained glass window, nursing fund, public baths, or drinking fountain.

4. Alnwick Gazette Almanack 1916 carries a photo of members of the Rothbury Branch of the Red Cross Society, also portrait of John Littlefair, killed in action.

5. The bronze sword on the top was designed and made by H.H. Martin and Co. of Cheltenham. The cost was £8 8 shillings, this cost being borne by Lord Armstrong, Dr. Hedley, James Clark and John Brown.

6. The memorial was spot lit in 1974.

7. Restored 2007. Rededicated 30th September 2007

Historic England Listing

Photos: Janet Brown; P. Thirkell; Tony Harding; Lonely Tower; old postcards: Tony Harding

Alnwick & County Gazette
28/08/1920 reports progress;
29/01/1921 reports unveiling.

Illustrated Chronicle
24/01/1921 reports the unveiling to have been on 22nd January.

Morpeth Herald
21/03/1919 reports suggestions and appointment of Steering Committee;
25/04/1919 reports more discussion;
06/06/1919 reports ballot in favour of drinking fountain;
27/06/1919 reports election of Committee;
28/01/1921 reports the unveiling ceremony.

Newcastle Daily Journal
05/08/1920 reports War Memorial Committee Meeting to decide a site for the fountain, and agreed to ask the managers of Thomlinson’s School to allow a German gun to the fixed in the schoolyard;
24/08/1920 reports proposals for war memorial.

Newcastle Weekly Chronicle
29/01/1921 reports unveiling.

Northumberland Gazette
23/02/2006 reports English Heritage Listing;
13/09/2007 reports proposed rededication after restoration

Northumberland Record Office
Parish Council correspondence re War Memorial (Ref. PC71/17 1956 and 1973); War Memorial Committee Minute Book.

.Morpeth County Library
Frith collection of photographs; Postcard collection

Source of quotation:
“They shall grow not old . . .” For the Fallen Lawrence Binyon.