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About this place
Pool-in-Wharfedale War Memorial sits in the heart of the village of Pool-in-Wharfedale, in the Leeds district of West Yorkshire, England. A modest stone cenotaph unveiled in 1923, it has been a Grade II listed structure since 2019.
What does it look like?
The memorial is a slim, tapering obelisk rising from a five-step base, roughly 3 metres tall, inside a small circular enclosure. The upper plaque carries 19 names of local men lost in the First World War; the lower plaque lists 9 from the Second World War. One further name relates to the Iraq War.
Who built it, and when?
In June 1920 Emily Annie Swallow of Troutbeck gave the parish council a small plot beside the St Wilfrid's churchyard. About 150 villagers raised the money, and the work cost just over £323. Mrs Swallow herself unveiled the memorial on 4 August 1923, which makes it a good example of a community-funded tribute.
Why is it listed?
Historic England added it to the National Heritage List on 10 May 2019 (list entry 1463211), part of a drive to protect war memorials around the centenary of the 1918 Armistice. It is one of several listed structures in the village, alongside a church, a former toll house, a bridge and milestones.
How do you get there?
Look for the junction of Main Street and Church Lane, next to St Wilfrid's Church. Pool lies on the A658 between Leeds and Harrogate, close to Otley and a short drive from Leeds city centre. Buses serve the village, and the memorial is a few minutes from the road. Access is free and open at all times.
When is the best time to visit?
Around 11 November, when poppy wreaths are laid and the village holds its Remembrance Sunday service. At any other time the site is quiet and easy to visit. It pairs naturally with a stroll through the village, a look at the church and a walk by the River Wharfe.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee? No. The memorial stands in a public space and can be visited all year.
How many names are recorded? Nineteen from the First World War and nine from the Second World War, plus one linked to Iraq.
When was it unveiled? On 4 August 1923.
Is it a protected monument? Yes. It has been Grade II listed since 10 May 2019.
How long should I allow? Ten to fifteen minutes, longer if you combine it with a village walk.
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