Bartley Green War Memorial

Bartley Green War Memorial stands in Bartley Green, a suburb on the south-western edge of Birmingham (postcode B32). It is a granite Celtic cross raised in 1920 and protected as a Grade II listed structure. It honours local people who died in the First World War, and names from the Second World War were added later.

What is the memorial like?

The monument is a rough-hewn granite Celtic cross with a tall shaft, set on a plinth that narrows towards the top. The names of the fallen are carved into the plinth faces. It was unveiled on 11 July 1920 and paid for by public donations from the community. Names from 1939 to 1945 were added after the second war.

Why is it listed?

Historic England added the memorial to the National Heritage List for England on 5 February 2016 (list entry 1432584), at Grade II. The listing came during the First World War centenary, when many such memorials were assessed. Grade II covers buildings and structures of special interest and is the most common grade in England.

Where is it?

The memorial is in Bartley Green, in the Romsley Road area close to the local library. A local history forum says it originally stood in the churchyard of the old St Michael and All Angels church. That detail comes from a forum post rather than a register, so treat it as local lore.

How do you get there?

City buses run from central Birmingham to Bartley Green, and there is a stop on Romsley Road near the memorial. By car, follow Hagley Road towards Quinton and continue south into the estate. Check current timetables before you travel, as West Midlands bus routes change from time to time.

When should you visit?

It is in a public space, so there are no tickets or opening hours and you can visit all year. The most striking moment is Remembrance Sunday, the Sunday closest to 11 November, when the community gathers to lay poppy wreaths. On an ordinary day a stop takes about fifteen minutes.

What else is nearby?

Bartley Green is mainly residential, so the memorial pairs well with a walk through the neighbourhood or a trip to the Clent and Lickey Hills, a few miles away. Birmingham city centre, with its museums and canals, is about 8 km to the north-east.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to visit? Yes. It is an open public memorial, accessible at any time at no charge.

What listing grade does it have? Grade II, since 5 February 2016, according to Historic England.

When was it unveiled and who paid for it? It was unveiled on 11 July 1920 and funded by donations from local people.

Does it include Second World War names? Yes, the Second World War was commemorated here after 1945. Local sources mention that some area soldiers' names are missing from the memorial.