Cambridge Gas Company War Memorial

Cambridge Gas Company War Memorial is a small stone shrine on Newmarket Road in the east of Cambridge, England. It honours employees of the local gas company who died in the two world wars. It suits anyone interested in local history or commemorative architecture, and it takes very little time to visit.

What is this memorial, and who is it for?

The memorial dates from 1921 and was raised in memory of eighteen Cambridge Gas Company employees killed in the First World War. Their names are carved into the stone. After the Second World War, six more names were added, so 24 people are now commemorated. The company itself sponsored the monument, which sets it apart from the many memorials funded by parishes or town councils.

What does it look like?

The monument stands roughly 3.4 metres tall on a square base. Its body is octagonal, with niches topped by scalloped hoods, and a dome crowns it, carrying a globe and a cross. It reads a bit like a miniature stone chapel or lantern. In front lies a paved court laid with granite setts and stone slabs. These were salvaged from the old industrial roadway that led into the gasworks and reused here.

Why is it standing here?

A gasworks once occupied this site. Around 2000 it was demolished and the land was redeveloped as a retail building with a car park. Keeping the memorial was a planning condition, and it was shifted about 30 metres south. It remains visible from the street and still stands on the former works' ground.

Is it a listed building?

Yes. It is Grade II listed on the National Heritage List for England, under list entry 1428632, designated on 7 October 2015. The IWM War Memorials Register also records it, under number 902.

How do you get there?

Find it on Newmarket Road (postcode CB5 8JE), next to a bus stop. From the city centre it is about a 20-minute walk, and local buses run along the same road. If you come by car, there is a large car park beside it, attached to the nearby store.

When to visit and how long to allow

The memorial is outdoors and open to view at any hour. Daylight is best, since you can read the inscriptions properly. Allow 10 to 15 minutes. It combines well with a walk towards the centre or a look at other sights in east Cambridge.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No. The memorial is in a public space and free to see.

Who does it commemorate? Employees of the Cambridge Gas Company: 18 who died in the First World War and 6 linked to the Second World War.

Is it in its original position? No. It was moved about 30 metres around 2000 during the redevelopment of the former gasworks site.

Is this the same as the Cambridge War Memorial on Hills Road? No. That is the city's own memorial. This one belongs to the gas company and stands on Newmarket Road.