Memorial

Nurse’s Home 1914-18

Stocksfield

Memorial Name: Nurse's Home 1914-18 (S56.06)

NEWMP Ref No.: S56.06

Parish: Stocksfield

Original Location:

Main Road. Behind Memorial Cross and garden.

Present Location:

Now a private dwelling.

Which War:

1914-18

Dedication, Creation or Publication date:

Foundation stone laid by Viscountess Allendale 12th February 1921.
Officially opened 11th November 1921 by Lady Armstrong.

Materials Used:

Brick, now pebble dashed.

Cost:

£1,500 needed for nurses’ home and cross (See S56.03)

How Money was Raised:

Public subscription.

Site given by Lord Allendale.

Sculptor, Artist or Designer:

Architects: Dixon and Son, Newcastle;
built by Mr. Wm. Strachan, Riding Mill.

Inscription:

“Stocksfield War Memorial”

Memorial Description:

Nurse’s house.

This is a two storeyed house of two bays with central door.

Above the door is inscribed “Stocksfield War Memorial”.

It is built of brick, surrounded by a garden, and containing a sitting room, storeroom for medicines, bandages, etc., kitchen, domestic offices, three bedrooms and a bathroom.

The building is surrounded by about a quarter of an acre of ground.

Names:

None

Notes:

1. The foundation stone was laid on the same day as the unveiling of the memorial cross.

2. The first nurse to live in the cottage was Nurse Biggam.

3. After all expenses were met for the home and the cross, there was a considerable sum of money left over to start the district nurse fund.

4. The Viscountess was presented with an ivory-handled silver trowel as a memento of the occasion, which was inscribed: “Presented to Viscountess Allendale on the occasion of her laying the foundation stone of the War Memorial Cottage, Stocksfield on Tyne, 12th February 1921.

Sources:

Photos: Paul Graham; Tony Harding

Haltwhistle Echo
18/02/1921 reports laying of foundation stone.

Hexham Courant
13/02/1920 reports proposals and costs;
15/11/1996 feature 75 years ago reports laying of foundation stone.

Hexham Weekly News
20/06/1919 reports proposals to erect a memorial for the parishes of Bywell and Broomley including a nurse’s home if sufficient funds were raised;
18/11/1921 reports laying of foundation stone.

Illustrated Chronicle
14/02/1921 reports laying of foundation stone with architect’s drawing;
08/06/1921 carries photos of almost-finished house;
12/11/1921 reports official opening with photos.

Newcastle Daily Chronicle
12/11/1921 reports opening.

Newcastle Daily Journal
13/03/1920 reports proposal to erect the cottage, that plan had been chosen;
05/04/1920 reports a silver collection in aid of the Cottage Hospital War Memorial.

Newcastle Weekly Chronicle
19/02/1921 reports laying of foundation stone.

Northern Echo
14/02/1920 reports foundation stone laying