War Memorial at Junction with Broomfield Lane

War Memorial at the junction with Broomfield Lane is a Grade II listed First World War memorial in Hale, in the borough of Trafford, Greater Manchester. A bronze soldier stands on a tall Portland stone pedestal, honouring the people of Hale who died in the two world wars. It is recorded on the National Heritage List for England as entry 1100305.

What will you see?

The memorial sits among trees in a small garden at the corner of Hale Road and Broomfield Lane. The figure is a helmeted infantryman holding a captured German spiked helmet, raised on a tapering plinth. Bronze plaques around the base list each man's name, rank and regiment.

The plaques carry 156 names from the First World War. A further 57 names from the Second World War were added afterwards. The inscription on the pedestal dedicates the monument to the men of Hale who fell in the Great War.

Who made it, and when?

The design and sculpture are by Frederick John Wilcoxson (1888–1974), who taught sculpture at the Royal College of Art. The bronze was cast by A. B. Burton and Co. General Sir Henry de Beauvoir de Lisle unveiled it on 11 March 1922. Historic England dates the work broadly to around 1920 and added it to the List on 12 July 1985.

How do you get there?

Hale lies in southern Trafford, close to Altrincham. Take a train to Hale station, or use the train or Metrolink tram to Altrincham, then walk through the village centre. The memorial stands by a busy junction and can be viewed from the public pavement. It is free to see, with no opening hours.

When is the best time to visit?

The memorial is accessible all year and a visit takes only a few minutes. It is most atmospheric around Remembrance Sunday in November, when a service is held and poppy wreaths are laid. Morning or late-afternoon light brings out the texture of the bronze.

What else is nearby?

Combine the stop with a stroll through Hale's village centre and a trip to Altrincham, known for its revived market hall. Manchester city centre is roughly half an hour away by public transport.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to visit? Yes. It stands in a public space and can be seen at any time at no cost.

What is its heritage status? It is Grade II listed, entered on the National Heritage List for England in 1985 (list entry 1100305).

How many names are recorded? 156 from the First World War, plus 57 added later for the Second World War.

Who unveiled it? General Sir Henry de Beauvoir de Lisle, on 11 March 1922.