Sarcophagus 1914-18 1939-45 Roadside

Roadside, Morton Crescent, opposite Burnside Crescent, near Burnside W.M. Club

a. 1914-18
b. 1939-45

a. Unveiled 23rd September 1922 by Lord Joicey,
dedicated by Rev. A.F. Gadd, rector of Burnmoor.

Greenlane freestone. Pink Balmoral marble plaque.

Memorial Fund Committee

£480

Site given by Lambton and Hetton Collieries.

Architect: Cowe and Lawson of Chester le Street;
Builder: S.E. Smith of Ropery Lane, Chester le Street.
Repairs in 2003 by Abbey Stonecraft.

In honour
of all those gallant men of
Fence Houses
and District
who gave up their lives
in the Great Wars
1914-1918
1939-1945

Plaque 1.
This plaque honours
British Armed Forces
killed in action
serving this nation
1945 – present day
“They laid down their lives
in the defence of this Kingdom”.

Plaque 2.
The people of Fence Houses
wish to embrace
British Armed Forces
who lost their lives
1945 – present day
in the tributes and thoughts
expressed on this memorial

Sarcophagus in style of Greek tomb 11 feet 6 inches high and 11 feet 6 inches wide (3.5m x 3.5m) of ashlar walls.

It sits in a small paved garden with seats and wood fence.

At the top is a plaque with the words “Lest We Forget”.

At centre, a panel  31 inches high x 57 inches wide (79cms x 145cms) has been sunk into the stonework with gabled top above.

The surround to the plaque is decorated with spiral and Greek key designs incised into the stonework.

The dedication on the panel is in Roman capitals throughout, the lettering incised and gilded.

Two smaller plaques 12 inches high x 18inches wide (30cms x 46cms)  have been added in honour of those who have fallen since 1945.

The first carries a blocked outline of England, Scotland and Wales.

The second carries an outline of a cross.

Lettering on both is in Roman.

1. The original memorial was for the 1914-18 war. To make the alteration for 1939-45, the word “War” was pluralised, and the dates added in at the bottom.

2. In the 1914-18 war, approx. 1,500 men from the district went to war, of whom about 125 died.

3. At the unveiling, Lord Joicey suggested that a Roll of Honour of all who served be made.

4. The original design was to have been of Portland or Heworth Burn stone, but these were too expensive. The monument was to be enclosed at the back by a stone curtain and a small stone kerb with suitably designed railings on the wings.

5. Other designs considered were: a community hall, based on YMCA lines; sports field including bowling green and tennis courts; a drinking fountain, a plaque bearing the names.

6. In 2004, flood lighting and benches was provided.

7. This memorial has a steep approach which proved difficult for the Remembrance Day parade, so a newer memorial was erected at Chilton Moor. The parade takes place there, though wreaths are still placed on this memorial at Fence Houses.

Historic England Listing

Photos: C. Sanders; Dorothy Hall; Simon Raine; Old postcard: Dorothy Hall

Chester le Street Chronicle
1919 and 1920 passim report various suggestions;
21/07/1922 reports final plans;
29/09/1922 reports unveiling.

Durham Chronicle
29/09/1922 reports unveiling.

Durham County Advertiser
28/09/1922

Illustrated Chronicle
25/09/1922 reports unveiling with photos

Newcastle Daily Journal
11/11/1922; 16/04/1920 reports proposal for a YMCA building

Newcastle Weekly Chronicle
15/07/1922 reports appointment of builders etc.;
30/09/1922 reports unveiling.

Northern Echo
25/09/1922 reports unveiling.

Shields Daily News
13/07/1922

Stanley and Chester le Street News
28/09/1922 reports unveiling.

Sunderland Echo
25/09/1922 page 6

The People’s History: Great Lumley & Fence Houses Lena Cooper 2001 ISBN 1 902527 267 carries a photo of Edward Charlton in R.A.F. uniform in 1942 on page 112

Source of quotation:
“Lest we forget” Recessional Rudyard Kipling

C. Sanders;
Fitzhugh Collection, Middleton in Teesdale;
Brian Chater;
Don Lynn;
Abbey Stonecraft;
Dorothy Hall;
David Sloan;

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