Linton-in-Craven War Memorial

Linton-in-Craven War Memorial is a stone cross in the village of Linton, in the Yorkshire Dales of North Yorkshire, England. It stands at the entrance to the churchyard of St Michael and All Angels, in the heart of the village and a short distance from Grassington. It suits walkers and drivers exploring Wharfedale who want a quiet stop with a story behind it.

What will you see?

The memorial is a freestanding Latin cross. Its shaft and arms are octagonal, and the whole thing rests on a square plinth above a base of three steps. Stone walls enclose it on three sides and metal railings close off the fourth, so it reads as a small, contained space of remembrance beside the churchyard wall.

The panels carry the names of villagers killed or missing in the two world wars. Records count 33 from 1914–1918 and 12 from 1939–1945, a heavy toll for a village this size. Many of the men can be traced online through local roll-of-honour projects that record their regiments and dates of death.

What is its history?

The cross was unveiled on 14 May 1921, not long after the First World War ended. Names from the Second World War were added later. In December 2019 Historic England gave the memorial Grade II listed status (list entry 1466724). Older Imperial War Museum records still describe it as unlisted, so the 2019 designation is the current position.

Inside the church, at the east end of the south wall, an oak stand with a glass top holds a Book of Remembrance for both wars, arranged by the day each man died. If the church is open, it is worth seeing alongside the cross.

How do you get there?

The memorial is on Thorpe Fell View in Linton (postcode BD23). Grassington is a few minutes away by car, and Skipton is roughly half an hour's drive. The village is reached by local roads, so a car or bike is the easiest option. Footpaths across Wharfedale also lead to Linton from Grassington if you prefer to walk.

When should you visit?

The memorial is outdoors and can be visited all year. Spring and summer are the most pleasant, with a green valley and good walking weather. On Remembrance Sunday, around 11 November, villagers usually gather at the cross for a service.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee? No. The memorial stands by the churchyard and is free to visit at any time.

How long does a visit take? The cross itself needs 10 to 15 minutes. Adding the church and a stroll through the village takes about an hour.

Is the memorial protected? Yes. It has been Grade II listed by Historic England since 2 December 2019.

How many people does it commemorate? Records give 33 names from the First World War and 12 from the Second.