Stannington War Memorial

Stannington War Memorial stands at Knowle Top in Stannington, a hillside suburb on the north-western edge of Sheffield, South Yorkshire. The stone cross honours local men killed in the two world wars and has been a Grade II listed structure on the National Heritage List for England since 14 May 2019.

What is the memorial?

Stannington raised the monument in 1921 for the men of the village and neighbouring Loxley who died in the First World War. It was paid for by local subscription. Names from the Second World War were added afterwards: 69 men are recorded for the First World War and 14 for the Second.

It was unveiled on 29 October 1921 by Lieutenant-Colonel F. Revell-Sutton, who had given the land. Ex-servicemen marched to the site with the Fulwood Brass Band, and the Bishop of Sheffield dedicated the memorial. The sources consulted do not name a designer or sculptor.

What will you see?

The centrepiece is a wheel-headed Latin cross on a tapering ashlar shaft, with a laurel wreath carved in relief at its foot. It rises from a square base of three steps inside an octagonal kerb, and a stone grave-style vase sits beside it.

The cross is built of Rivelin gritstone, a local stone from the Sheffield area. The name tablets are red granite with gilt lettering, fixed to the steps. A low stone wall with decorative iron railings encloses the plot, and a modern flagpole stands behind.

Historic England listed it for its historic interest, as evidence of how the wars touched a local community, and for its architectural quality: a well-proportioned, carefully crafted cross in good materials.

How do you get there?

Stannington lies roughly 5-6 km north-west of Sheffield city centre. The memorial is in the village centre, close to the junction of Church Street and Uppergate Road. Local buses and car both take around a quarter of an hour from the centre; check current timetables with the operator before you travel.

When is the best time to visit?

The memorial is outdoors and can be seen at any time, free of charge. Daylight is best for photographs. The atmosphere is strongest around Remembrance Sunday in November, when ceremonies are held here and poppy wreaths are laid. A visit takes 10-15 minutes, so it combines easily with a walk around Stannington and the surrounding hills.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee? No. It is an open public memorial with no gates or opening hours.

How many names are on it? There are 69 names from the First World War and 14 from the Second World War.

Is the memorial protected? Yes. It has been Grade II listed since May 2019.

What is it made of? Rivelin gritstone, with red granite tablets for the names.