Memorial

Obelisk 1914-18 1939-45 Roadside

West Woodburn

Memorial Name: Obelisk 1914-18 1939-45 Roadside (W37.01)

NEWMP Ref No.: W37.01

Parish: West Woodburn

Original Location:

By roadside about a half mile south of the village.

Which War:

a. 1914-1918
b. 1939-1945

Dedication, Creation or Publication date:

Unveiled 1921

Materials Used:

Granite obelisk on sandstone base.

Who Commissioned:

Parish of Corsenside

Cost:

£300+

Sculptor, Artist or Designer:

Emley and Sons of Newcastle.

Inscription:

a.
The World War
1914 – 1919
Erected by
the parish of Corsenside
to the glorious memory
of
(names)

b.
1939-1945

Memorial Description:

Obelisk 10 feet 6 inches high (3.2m) on a base 60 inches square (150cms).

The names from 1914-18 are on the front face of the base, and those from 1939-45 are on one side.

The lettering is in sans serif capitals throughout, incised and painted black.

Names:

a. 16 names, place of death and date.
b. 8 names, place of death and date.
See transcript.

Notes:

1. An Extract from the Committee Minutes in 1919 reads : “Several landowners, who have been asked for subscriptions, having seemed at a loss what to give, the committee concluded that the fairest way to raise the money was to suggest a figure in proportion to property. They, therefore, appointed Messrs. T. Simpson and J. Walton to apportion the sum to be raised according to the rateable value of ownership and occupancy, so that each may have a basis on which to calculate his donation. This method, of course, only takes into account the material interests, the property protected, and is hoped that those who are able will also bear in mind those higher interests which money does not represent, and which also our brave boys died to defend. A circular letter outlining the scheme, and asking for support, was read to the meeting”.

External Links:

Historic England Listing

Sources:

Photos: J. Brown, P. Thirkell; old postcard: Tony Harding

Redewetter No.6 Magazine of the Redesdale Society.

In Silent Fortitude: In Memory of the Men of the North Tyne Valley who Fell in the Great War; Alan Isaac Grint; 2011; Ergo Press; ISBN 9780955751097

Images of England – Bellingham, North Tynedale and Redesdale page 91 contains a photo of the unveiling.

Additional Research Documents

Research Acknowledgements:

Philip Thirkell;
J. Forster;
Redesdale Society;
Tony Harding;
Raymond Ion;
Susan Carlisle

Research In Progress:

Alan Grint has researched the names on this memorial in his book In Silent Fortitude, 2011 Ergo Press ISBN 9780955751098 :-Cogito books
Contact: 01434 602555