Memorial

Cross 1914-18 St. Anthony of Egypt’s Churchyard

Walker

Memorial Name: Cross 1914-18 St. Anthony of Egypt's Churchyard (W2.06)

NEWMP Ref No.: W2.06

Parish: Walker

Original Location:

St. Anthony of Padua’s Churchyard, Belmont Street, NE6 3SN

At west end.

Which War:

1914-18

Dedication, Creation or Publication date:

Unveiled 19th July 1921 by Major J.G. Leathart, M.C.; dedicated by the Vicar, Rev. H.A. Hand.

Materials Used:

Granite cross on Heworth Burn sandstone steps.

Who Commissioned:

War Memorial Committee.

How Money was Raised:

Land donated by Lord Northbourne, who also paid for its enclosure.

Public subscription.

Sculptor, Artist or Designer:

Mr. Robert Beall, sculptor

Inscription:

Remember with honour
those who by their death
have ennobled
this village in
the Great War
1914-18

Memorial Description:

Cross. total height 14 feet (4.3m)

The cross, 30 inches high (76cms), is on a slightly tapering upper pedestal 8 feet high (2.4m), 12 inches (30cms) at the bottom tapering to 10 inches wide (25cms) at the top.

This in turn rests on the main octagonal pedestal, 30 inches high (76cms), divided by a string course which has floral carving.

The whole rests on three octagonal sandstone steps, each 6 inches deep(15cms), and approx. 8 feet diameter (2.4m).

At the top of all three sides is a shield raised in half relief below a frieze of carved flowers.

The pedestal has a raised decoration of leaves.

The inscription is incised on the front panel of the pedestal, with the names on the sides.

Names:

24 names of those who died.
51 names of those who served
TRANSCRIPT NEEDED

Notes:

1. Lord Northbourne gave a piece of land on which to erect the memorial, and also promised to defray the cost of enclosing the area.

2. One proposal designed by Messrs. Emley & Sons was described: The height of the monument is 20 feet, with two figures of wounded soldiers on the top, made of grey granite.

3. Members of the public would be asked to pay a total of 10 shillings per person which would be paid over six months. Collecting cards would be issued, to be collected weekly.

4. A time capsule containing a list of members of the War Memorial Committee, coins of the realm for 1921, copies of the “Illustrated Chronicle” and “North Mail” of current date was placed under the cover of the steps on which the memorial would be erected.

External Links:

Historic England Listing

Sources:

Photos: P. Thirkell; Joan Jobling; James Pasby

Illustrated Chronicle
18/06/1920 reports donation of site;
13/07/1921 reports proposed unveiling;
20/07/1921 reports unveiling with photos.

Newcastle Daily Chronicle
18/06/1920 reports proposals;
07/07/1921 reports placing of time capsule;
19/07/1921 reports proposed unveiling at 7.30 p.m. tonight.
20/07/1921 reports unveiling.

Newcastle Weekly Chronicle
23/10/1920 reports proposals for Emley design, means of raising funds and an appeal for names;
23/07/1921 reports unveiling.

Diocese of Newcastle
Faculty No. 766, 30/09/1921