Plaque 1914-18 Stephenson Memorial Council School

Stephenson Memorial Council School, Now Stephenson Memorial First School, Howdon Lane, Howdon, Wallsend.

In hall of new building after demolition of the old building

1914-18

Unveiled 17th September 1920 by Coun. J. Scorer, an old boy.

Brass mounted on oak

Edward H. Thew, Newcastle

In memory of
the following teachers and old boys
who laid down their lives in the
Great War.

They gave their lives for us, let us try
to be worthy of their sacrifice.

Plaque 36 inches high at centre top x 24 inches wide (90.5cms x 60cms) set in an oak frame  5 inches wide (13cms).

Around the edge is a border of Celtic knot work cast to stand proud on a black enamelled background.

There is a rounded centre top in which is the school badge inside a wreath.

The names of the four teachers who died are in a row below the heading.

The names of the pupils are listed in three columns.

The dedication is in elongated Roman lettering and the names in sans serif capitals.

1. The school was originally built in Willington but was rebuilt at Howden and the plaque was moved with the school. In 1997 the school was rebuilt near to its old location.

2. The School uses the memorial as a base for studies on the Great War.

3. “On one occasion . . . a pupil studying the names recognised the address in Wallsend of one of the men listed. That night on the way home he knocked at the door and explained to the present occupants that a former soldier, killed in the Great War, had previously lived there”. (Colin McMillan)

4 . “There is reference to N. Briggs. Mike Neville from Tyne Tees Television attended the Stephenson School as a child. His family name was Briggs. There may be some family connection”. (Mrs. Read)

Photos: Mrs. J. Read; Colin McMillan

Illustrated Chronicle
18/09/1920 reports unveiling with photo.

Newcastle Daily Journal
18/09/1920 reports unveiling.

Northern Echo
18/09/1920 reports unveiling.

Shields Daily Gazette
18/09/1920 reports unveiling.

Stephenson School
Biographical notes on some of the men named on the memorial researched by school pupils.

North Tyneside Local Studies
Unveiling Programme.

Source of quotation:
“They gave their lives for us . . .” Not ascertained.

M. Newrick;
Mrs. J. Read;
Colin McMillan & Stephenson School pupils;
Diana Leggitt, North Tyneside Local Studies;
Dorothy Hall;
Michael Mulhern

If you are researching this memorial please contact 2014@newmp.org.uk