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About this place
Stechford War Memorial in Birmingham is a First World War monument standing on a road junction in the Stechford district. Historic England has listed it at Grade II since 19 October 2015 (list entry 1430236).
Where is the memorial?
It sits in the Yardley Fields area of east Birmingham (postcode B33), right in the middle of a junction where five roads meet: Yardley Fields Road, Albert Road, Stuarts Road, Richmond Road and Lyttleton Road. It is a traffic island rather than a park monument, so you view it from the pavement around the crossing.
What will you see?
The memorial dates from around 1920 and is built of granite, with lettering picked out in lead set into the stone. A Latin cross rises from a tapering shaft on a square plinth. A sword is carved in high relief on the north face, and the base inscription says the monument was raised by public subscription to the men of Stechford who died in 1914-1918.
The fallen are named on the memorial. The Imperial War Museum's Lives of the First World War community counts 52 men, while one local article gives 51. The carved details are what set this modest cross apart from many similar monuments across England.
Why is it listed?
Historic England protected the memorial in 2015 as part of its programme recognising First World War commemorations. The listing rests on its design, materials and its role as a focus of local remembrance. The War Memorials Online record (WMO/194580) notes that the memorial has been fully refurbished.
How is it remembered today?
Local residents have researched its story, notably the Shades of Black group led by Eunice McGhie-Belgrave. With Heritage Lottery support, the work covered veterans of both world wars. Pupils from Corpus Christi Catholic Primary and Stechford Primary take part in Remembrance Day commemorations here.
When should you visit?
The site is open all year and free. The atmosphere is strongest around 11 November, when Remembrance Day wreaths are laid. A visit takes a few minutes, so it pairs well with a walk around Stechford.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee? No. The memorial stands in a public space and can be seen at any time at no cost.
What protection does it have? Grade II on the National Heritage List for England, since 19 October 2015 (entry 1430236).
What is it made of? Granite with lead lettering inset in the stone, shaped as a Latin cross on a square plinth.
How many men does it commemorate? Sources give 51 or 52 names of Stechford men who died between 1914 and 1918.
Is it easy to reach on foot? It stands at a five-road junction in Yardley Fields, so use the pedestrian crossings and take care with traffic.
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