Bennetthorpe War Memorial

Bennetthorpe War Memorial in Doncaster is a Grade II listed monument to the town's war dead, standing outside the main gates of Elmfield Park in the Bennetthorpe area of South Yorkshire. It sits at the junction of Roman Road and South Parade, a short distance from the town centre.

When was it built, and by whom?

The memorial was unveiled and dedicated at 3pm on 12 March 1923, with Colonel C. C. Moxon in attendance. Money came from public subscription organised by a war memorial committee chaired by the Mayor, T. H. Oliver. The cost was estimated at £1,533, and not all of it had been raised by the day of the ceremony. Manchester firm J & H Patteson carried out the work, and the architect is recorded as Ernest Prestwich.

What will you see?

A stone column rises from a stepped base and plinth, built from Stancliffe stone with bronze elements. The Imperial War Museum register mentions a robed figure holding a laurel wreath, while the Sheffield Hallam University record describes a bronze Sword of Sacrifice. The two records describe the top differently, so it is worth looking for yourself. The plinth carries relief panels and inscriptions. The IWM notes the panels need restoration, though it rated the memorial's overall condition as good in 2018.

How do you get there?

The memorial is roughly a kilometre from Doncaster town centre, beside the entrance to Elmfield Park. It is a walk of about fifteen minutes from the centre, and local buses stop nearby. It stands in the open by the roadside, so there is no admission charge and no opening hours.

When is the best time to visit?

Visit in daylight to make out the carved detail. Remembrance Sunday in November is the most atmospheric time, when wreaths are laid at war memorials across England. Doncaster Council marked the memorial's centenary on 12 March 2023 with a short service at the site, and an elm tree was planted in Elmfield Park to mark the occasion.

What else is nearby?

Elmfield Park is right next door and suits a stroll afterwards. Several other listed buildings line Bennetthorpe, and the town centre has museums, a market and historic churches.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee? No. The memorial stands in a public space and can be viewed free at any time.

Is the memorial listed? Yes. Historic England added it to the National Heritage List for England on 12 December 2014 at Grade II (list entry 1421462).

Who designed it? The Sheffield Hallam University record names Ernest Prestwich as architect. J & H Patteson of Manchester built it.

How long does a visit take? Ten to fifteen minutes is enough to see the memorial and read the inscriptions. Allow about an hour if you also walk through Elmfield Park.