Memorial

Plaque 1914-18 St. Stephen

Willington Wear Valley

Memorial Name: Plaque 1914-18 St. Stephen (W120.03)

NEWMP Ref No.: W120.03

Parish: Willington Wear Valley

Original Location:

St. Stephen’s Church, Low Willington.

On the wall left of the chancel arch.

Which War:

1914-18

Dedication, Creation or Publication date:

Unveiled August 1921 by Canon T. Urmson.

Flower stand dedicated November 1922 by Rev. J. Duncan.

Materials Used:

Brass on ?oak

Sculptor, Artist or Designer:

J. Wippell & Co. Ltd.

Inscription:

Faithful unto death
To the Glory of God in loving
memory of the undermentioned
churchmen of Willington who fell
in the Great War 1914 – 1918
or died after returning home.
Erected by parishioners and friends

Memorial Description:

Plaque 60 inches high x 35 inches wide (152cms x 35cms) set on a wood pattress 1 inch wider (2.5cms) all round, with flower ledge below.

There is a double line border round the edge, which traces the shape of an elaborately shaped top.

The plaque is divided into two panels vertically.

The top panel has the “I.H.S.” monogram at the top, with a ribbon underneath with the words “Faithful Unto Death”.

The dedication is on a panel below this, the lettering raised in half relief.

The main lower panel bears the names in two columns.

All lettering is in sans serif capitals.

Names:

48 surnames and initials.
See transcript.

Notes:

1. “The Rev. J. Duncan, M.A., O.B.E., Rector of Willington (Durham) at a special service dedicated a flower stand which has been placed at the foot of the War Memorial tablet in Willington Parish Church.”

Sources:

Photos: C. Sanders; James Pasby

Auckland and County Chronicle
23/10/1919 reports proposals and appointment of a Committee;
31/03/1921 reports unveiling of plaque;
16/11/1922 reports unveiling of flower stand.

Durham Chronicle
07/11/1919 reports proposals

Newcastle Weekly Chronicle
18/11/1922 reports dedication of flower stand in Note 1 above.

The Monumental Brasses of County Durham William Lack, H. Martin Stuchfield and Philip Whittemore 2002 ISBN 095 4327101

Source of quotation
“Faithful unto death” Revelation 2 v 10