Plaque 1914-18 Whitley Memorial School

Whitley Memorial School Chapel.

This school was burnt down in 1969.

1914-18

Dedicated 8th October 1921 by the Bishop of Durham

Dark oak with mosaic picture.

Whitley Memorial School
Bedlington
In grateful memory of
members of this school
who gave their lives
in the Great War
1914-1919
Greater love hath no man
than this that
a man lay down his life
for his friends

Plaque 55 inches high x 69 inches wide (140cms x 175cms). The pediment makes the total height 5 feet 9 inches (175cms).

The whole memorial is divided into five panels by pilasters with carved capitals.

On the central panel the pilasters support a large carved pediment with fleur-de-lys at centre top.

The name of the school is painted into a sunken panel.

The central panel has a background of gold Tudor roses surmounted by a crowns.

On this is a picture of St. George with his hand on the hilt of his sword.

In the top left hand corner is the St. George’s cross on a shield.

The dedication is below this.

Surrounding the whole picture is a painted blue mock-mosaic border containing the quotation.

The two outer wings each bear two sunken panels in which the names are written in gilt lettering.

1. Each of the columns of names has an additional name out of alphabetical sequence at the bottom, suggesting that these were added later.

2. Two of those named (C.S.M. T. Smythe & 2nd Lt. M. Dunn), were masters at the school. See also B15.16

3. The plaque was presumed to have been lost in the fire. However, in 2013, the school received a message from Holland. The plaque had been sold by a dealer to a Dutch couple at an antiques fair in the 1970s. Their daughter thought it should be returned to the school and managed to find the school website. The memorial was authenticated and has been returned to the school in June 2013. A new extension was being built at the time and was adapted to accommodate the memorial.

Photos: Michael Eldridge

Evening Chronicle
08/06/2013 carries photo of returned memorial.

Illustrated Chronicle
06/10/1921 reports proposed dedication

Morpeth Herald
04/03/1921 reports final appeal for names;
07/10/1921 reports proposed unveiling;
14/10/1921 gives more details.

Newcastle Daily Journal
24/11/1920 contains letter outlining proposal to erect memorial and requesting funds, also details of names for inclusion.

Newcastle Weekly Chronicle
20/11/1920 reports proposed memorial;
08/10/1921 reports proposed unveiling today;

Northern Echo
27/11/1920 reports call for names by Mr. William Garthwaite, headmaster.

Source of quotation
“Greater love hath no man than this . . .” St. John 15 v 13

Janet Brown;
Michael Newrick;
Dorothy Hall;
John Swan Perry;
Michael Eldridge (Whitley Memorial School)

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