Memorial

Obelisk 1914-18 1939-45 High Street

Howden le Wear

Memorial Name: Obelisk 1914-18 1939-45 High Street (H139.01)

NEWMP Ref No.: H139.01

Parish: Howden le Wear

Original Location:

East side of High Street close to the junction with Bridge Street

Which War:

a. 1914-18
b. 1939-45

Dedication, Creation or Publication date:

a. Unveiled 11th November 1924 by Capt. R.A. Howe of Willington;
dedicated by Rev. R.S. ?Spencer, vicar of Howden.

Materials Used:

Granite on freestone base.

Who Commissioned:

War Memorial Committee: Chairman Mr. M. Palmer

Cost:

£217

Sculptor, Artist or Designer:

Mr. J.G. Brown of Wolsingham

Inscription:

a.
Lest we forget.
To the honour and in sacred
memory of the brave men from
Howden le Wear and District
who fell in the Great War
1914-1918

b.
(On top step).
1939-1945

Memorial Description:

Obelisk on square base and two shallow steps, the lowest one measuring 38 inches inches x 35 inches (97cms x 89cms)

Total height is 13 feet 3 inches (4m)

Three sides are plain.

It is surrounded by five short stone columns joined by iron bars.

The front of the obelisk is carved with sword, a rifle and a wreath in half relief.

The names from 1914-18 are carried in two columns on the front face of the pedestal, carrying onto the rise of the top step.

The names from 1939-45 are listed in three columns on the risers of both top and bottom steps.

The lettering is in sans serif capitals throughout.

Names:

a. 33 names, ranks and regiments.
b. 10 surnames and initials.
See transcript.

External Links:

Historic England Listing

Sources:

Photo: C. Sanders; James Pasby; Dorothy Hall;
old postcards: T. Hutchinson; George Nairn; John Grainger

Auckland and County Chronicle
13/11/1924 reports unveiling.

The Story Durham (formerly Durham County Record Office)
Ref. EP/Fi 73 Correspondence between Wear Valley District Council, Environmental Services Department, The Elms, Market Place, Bishop Auckland; J. Gibson, Secretary to the Firtree Parochial Church Council, 16 Church Street, Howden-le-Wear; and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, 2 Marlow Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire; concerning the addition of names to the Howden-le-Wear war memorial, 16 February 1988 – 20 November 1990 (11 papers; 6 typescript)

Source of quotation
“Lest We Forget” Recessional Rudyard Kipling.