Monuments in the United Kingdom

Saddleworth War Memorial

Oldham

Saddleworth War Memorial is a stone obelisk on Pots and Pans Hill (Alderman's Hill) near Tunstead, in Saddleworth, part of the Metropolitan Borough of Oldham, Greater Manchester. It stands high above the villages it honours and has been Grade II listed since 1986. What is it, and who does it commemorate? The obelisk was unveiled on 6 October 1923 as the shared memorial for the whole of Saddleworth: Greenfield, Delph, Denshaw, Diggle, Dobcross, Grasscroft and Uppermill. It first recorded the dead of the First World War, and names from the Second World War were added in 1951. One source puts the combined total at about 259 names. Its inscription says it was raised by the people of Saddleworth in 1923. What does it look like? The architect was Howcroft of Uppermill and the builder was C. Winterbottom. The monument is a tall ashlar obelisk on a stylobate. Rolls of honour cover the sides, and each face carries a carved sword, a reeded band and a wreath. The Historic England listing (entry 1163991) was made on 3 July 1986. How is it different from the Uppermill memorial? Saddleworth has more than one important war memorial, and people often mix them up. The hilltop obelisk is the one described here. The other, topped by a carved angel, stands in St Chad's Gardens in Uppermill. It was unveiled in October 1921 for 252 men lost in the First World War and has its own listing. Churches in the area and Saddleworth Museum & Gallery also hold commemorative plaques, each with a separate IWM War Memorials Register record. How do I get there? The memorial stands on open hillside above Greenfield and Uppermill, so reaching it means a walk on footpaths. Start from one of the valley villages and wear sturdy footwear. It is an outdoor monument with free access and no ticketing, and no opening hours are published. The hilltop is exposed, so bring a windproof layer. What else is nearby? The hill lies within the Peak District National Park, with views over the Saddleworth valley and surrounding moorland. In Uppermill you can visit Saddleworth Museum & Gallery and the St Chad's Gardens memorial. When should I visit? Choose a clear day between late spring and early autumn, when paths are drier and views are best. Local Remembrance events take place around November; check local council listings for exact times. Frequently asked questions Is the memorial a listed monument? Yes. Historic England listed it at Grade II on 3 July 1986 (entry 1163991). Who designed it and when was it unveiled? It was unveiled in 1923. The architect was Howcroft of Uppermill and the builder was C. Winterbottom. Do I need a ticket? No. It is an outdoor memorial reached on foot across the hillside. Is this the same memorial as the one in St Chad's Gardens, Uppermill? No. They are two separate memorials: the 1923 obelisk on the hill and the 1921 figurative memorial in Uppermill.

Deptford War Memorial

Londyn

Deptford War Memorial in London honours the men of Deptford who died in the First World War. It stands in south-east London in the Borough of Lewisham, where Lewisham Way meets Upper Brockley Road, at the north end of a small memorial garden. Historic England lists it at Grade II, a status it received in 2012. Who built it, and when? The council of the former Metropolitan Borough of Deptford commissioned it in 1919. William Richards of Brockley designed it, and the sculpted figures are the work of W. W. Wagstaff of Kingston upon Thames. Major General Sir Charles Townshend unveiled it in July 1921. Dates from 1939 to 1945 were added later, so it now remembers the dead of both world wars. What will you see? This is an open public monument rather than a ticketed sight, so you can visit at any hour for free. Look closely at the sculpted figures, the inscriptions and the later Second World War additions. The surrounding garden of remembrance makes a quiet pause on a walk through this part of London. How do you get there? The memorial sits on Lewisham Way, between Brockley and New Cross. City buses serve the road, and Brockley, New Cross and New Cross Gate stations are within walking distance. Check the route in the TfL journey planner before you set out. Where does the information come from, and what else is nearby? The memorial appears in the National Heritage List for England (Historic England entry 1406592) and in the Imperial War Museums' War Memorials Register. Do not confuse it with other Deptford memorials, such as the separate Grade II listed memorial in Brockley Cemetery or the obelisk at St Paul's Church, Deptford, which the same register covers. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? No. The memorial is in a public space and open at all times. Is it a listed monument? Yes. It has been Grade II listed since 17 February 2012. Whom does it commemorate? The men of Deptford killed in the First World War, with Second World War dates added later. How long should I allow? A quarter of an hour is enough, ideally combined with a walk around Brockley and New Cross.

Little Ben

City of Westminster

Little Ben is a cast-iron street clock in the City of Westminster, London, standing on a traffic island where Victoria Street meets Vauxhall Bridge Road, a short step from Victoria station. It is a Victorian scale model of the Palace of Westminster's famous clock tower, about nine metres tall. What is Little Ben? The clock dates from 1892 and was made by Gillett & Johnston of Croydon. Its outline copies the Elizabeth Tower, the tower everyone calls Big Ben, hence the nickname. The real thing stands at the far end of the same street, so the two clocks are linked by a walk straight through the heart of Westminster. Little Ben is protected: Historic England lists it on the National Heritage List for England at Grade II (listed 1987). What is its story? The listing records that the clock was taken down in 1964 during road widening and rebuilt in 1981, as an inscription on the base states. The restoration was sponsored by Elf Aquitaine together with Westminster City Council. Redevelopment work at Victoria station led to another removal, around 2012, and the clock sat in storage until it was reinstalled on 28 February 2016. What will you see? A slim, decorative tower with a clock face and Gothic-style detailing inspired by Pugin's design for the original. A short rhyming inscription about daylight saving time is carved into it. There is no interior to visit, so this is a quick stop of a few minutes, best combined with a walk to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. How do you get to Little Ben? Take the Tube or a train to London Victoria (Victoria, District and Circle lines). The clock is a minute or two on foot from the station, across the busy junction. You can also walk from Westminster Abbey along Victoria Street. When should you go? It stands on the street, open at all hours and free to view. Daylight gives the best photos, when the sun hits the iron clock face. The junction is busy, so shoot from the pavement and cross only at the signalled crossings. Frequently asked questions Is Little Ben a copy of Big Ben? Yes. It is a miniature cast-iron replica of the Elizabeth Tower, built at a much smaller scale. Do you need a ticket? No. The clock is in a public space and can be viewed free at any time. Where exactly is it? On a traffic island at the junction of Victoria Street and Vauxhall Bridge Road, near Victoria station. Is it in its original spot? Not exactly. It was removed after road widening in 1964, then rebuilt, and after a further spell in storage it was reinstalled near its former position in 2016.

Coventry War Memorial

Coventry

Coventry War Memorial is a tall, tapering tower at the heart of War Memorial Park, just south of the city centre of Coventry in the West Midlands. It honours the people of the city who died in war and is one of the most prominent memorials of its kind in the region. Who designed it and when was it opened? The design came from local architect Thomas Francis Tickner, who died in 1924, before the work was finished. Construction ran from 1925 to 1927. The tower stands roughly 27 metres tall (sources quote between 87 and 90 feet) and dominates the park. Field Marshal Douglas Haig unveiled it on 8 October 1927. The park itself is a little older. Coventry's council opened it in July 1921 as the city's tribute to the soldiers lost in the First World War, and landscaping continued into the mid-1930s. Why is it a listed monument? In January 2013 the memorial was listed at Grade II* on Historic England's National Heritage List for England, a high grade reserved for particularly important buildings. At the same time the park received a Grade II listing, and the entrance gates and gate piers were listed separately at Grade II. The tower was restored in 2011 with Heritage Lottery Fund support. The work rebuilt the platform at its base, replacing the original octagonal one. The large decorative bronze doors had been restored earlier, in 2004. What will you see? Walk around the tower to take in its stonework and the bronze doors on the east and west sides. Behind them lies the Chamber of Silence. The interior is not open every day; one source says it opens on Remembrance Sunday. Check Coventry City Council's website for current access details before you go. The park is public and free to enter, so you can view the memorial from outside whenever the park is open. It makes a quiet spot for a walk. How do you get there? The park lies about 2-3 km south of the city centre, between the Earlsdon and Cheylesmore areas. From central Coventry you can take a local bus or taxi, or walk in a few dozen minutes. The memorial sits at roughly 52.394 N, 1.519 W. When should you visit? Daytime in dry weather is best, when it is easy to walk around the tower and through the park. The Remembrance Sunday ceremonies have a particular atmosphere, drawing residents and veterans. Frequently asked questions Who designed Coventry War Memorial? Local architect Thomas Francis Tickner, who died in 1924 before construction was complete. When was it unveiled? On 8 October 1927, by Field Marshal Douglas Haig. Is there an entrance fee? No. War Memorial Park is a public park with free entry. Can you go inside the tower? The Chamber of Silence is not open daily. It is opened on occasion, for example on Remembrance Sunday. Check Coventry City Council's website before travelling.

Bennetthorpe War Memorial

Doncaster

Bennetthorpe War Memorial in Doncaster is a Grade II listed monument to the town's war dead, standing outside the main gates of Elmfield Park in the Bennetthorpe area of South Yorkshire. It sits at the junction of Roman Road and South Parade, a short distance from the town centre. When was it built, and by whom? The memorial was unveiled and dedicated at 3pm on 12 March 1923, with Colonel C. C. Moxon in attendance. Money came from public subscription organised by a war memorial committee chaired by the Mayor, T. H. Oliver. The cost was estimated at £1,533, and not all of it had been raised by the day of the ceremony. Manchester firm J & H Patteson carried out the work, and the architect is recorded as Ernest Prestwich. What will you see? A stone column rises from a stepped base and plinth, built from Stancliffe stone with bronze elements. The Imperial War Museum register mentions a robed figure holding a laurel wreath, while the Sheffield Hallam University record describes a bronze Sword of Sacrifice. The two records describe the top differently, so it is worth looking for yourself. The plinth carries relief panels and inscriptions. The IWM notes the panels need restoration, though it rated the memorial's overall condition as good in 2018. How do you get there? The memorial is roughly a kilometre from Doncaster town centre, beside the entrance to Elmfield Park. It is a walk of about fifteen minutes from the centre, and local buses stop nearby. It stands in the open by the roadside, so there is no admission charge and no opening hours. When is the best time to visit? Visit in daylight to make out the carved detail. Remembrance Sunday in November is the most atmospheric time, when wreaths are laid at war memorials across England. Doncaster Council marked the memorial's centenary on 12 March 2023 with a short service at the site, and an elm tree was planted in Elmfield Park to mark the occasion. What else is nearby? Elmfield Park is right next door and suits a stroll afterwards. Several other listed buildings line Bennetthorpe, and the town centre has museums, a market and historic churches. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. The memorial stands in a public space and can be viewed free at any time. Is the memorial listed? Yes. Historic England added it to the National Heritage List for England on 12 December 2014 at Grade II (list entry 1421462). Who designed it? The Sheffield Hallam University record names Ernest Prestwich as architect. J & H Patteson of Manchester built it. How long does a visit take? Ten to fifteen minutes is enough to see the memorial and read the inscriptions. Allow about an hour if you also walk through Elmfield Park.

Queen Square Obelisk

Bath

The Queen Square Obelisk in Bath stands at the centre of a Georgian square in the middle of this Somerset city. Raised in 1738, it is one of the oldest features of the square's layout and a Grade II* listed structure on the National Heritage List for England. Who built it, and why? The obelisk was paid for by Richard "Beau" Nash, Bath's master of ceremonies, and is credited to the architect John Wood the Elder, who also designed the square. It honours Frederick, Prince of Wales, and his consort, in thanks for benefits to the city. Historic England records that the first inscription was written by the poet Alexander Pope. The listing also reads the dedication as a mark of approval for Wood's building work in Bath from the highest level. What does it look like? The shaft is a plain, tapering square column, about 1.8 m across at the base and free of decoration. It once ended in a point at roughly 18 m. A gale damaged the top in 1815, and it was recut with a flatter profile, leaving the obelisk about 15 m tall today. Wood had proposed carved lions and unicorns, but they were never made. The original dark inscription tablet was later replaced by a brass one, and the wording has been recut. What did Wood intend for the square? The obelisk was meant to anchor a formal parterre garden, with gravel paths on straight axes laid out in a Union Jack pattern. Today the square is a green open space framed by Georgian terraces, and the obelisk is its one strong vertical accent. How to get there and how long to allow Queen Square is in central Bath, close to the Circus and the Royal Crescent, so it fits easily into a walk through the Georgian quarter. The square is open to all and free. Ten to fifteen minutes is enough to circle the obelisk and read the inscription, or half an hour if you take in Wood's surrounding façades. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. The obelisk stands in an open square that you can visit at no cost. When was the obelisk erected? In 1738, funded by Beau Nash to a design credited to John Wood the Elder. Why is it shorter than it used to be? A gale broke the pointed top in 1815. After repair it has a flat summit and stands about 15 m, down from roughly 18 m. Is it a protected monument? Yes. It is listed Grade II* on the National Heritage List for England, since 1950. What else is nearby? The Georgian façades of the square itself and the other landmarks of central Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city.

City of Gloucester War Memorial

Gloucester

The City of Gloucester War Memorial stands in a corner of Gloucester Park in Gloucester, beside a busy road junction. It honours the people of the city who died in the world wars and later conflicts, and it has been a Grade II listed structure on the National Heritage List for England since 22 April 2022. What does the memorial look like? It has two parts. At the centre is a Portland stone cenotaph on a platform of three steps, crowned by a bronze sphinx, the emblem of the Gloucestershire Regiment. Behind it a curved Wall of Remembrance sweeps around the precinct, interrupted by iron gates. Bronze plaques carry the names, and the raised sections of the wall bear the inscription "1914-1918 / To the Men of Gloucester". Who designed it, and when was it unveiled? The cenotaph was the work of local sculptor and carver Arthur Percy Frith. Field Marshal Lord Plumer unveiled it on 28 March 1925. Its names are those of men from the 1/5th and 2/5th Battalions of the Gloucestershire Regiment who died between 1914 and 1918. H. H. Martyn of Cheltenham produced the bronze sphinx and plaques. The Wall of Remembrance and the surrounding precinct came later, designed by Waller and Son. The tenth Duke of Somerset unveiled these additions on 23 October 1933. Their plaques list city residents of every service who were lost in the First World War. How did the memorial change after 1945? In 1948 the City Council took over the project and had the names of Second World War dead added on the eastern side of the wall. Lord Beaufort unveiled the revised memorial on 30 June 1949. A plaque also names 17 women killed in the bombing of Gloucester, and a later plaque commemorates the Korean War. Why stop here? The memorial shows, in one small site, how a city recorded successive losses across the 20th century: a 1925 cenotaph, a 1930s wall, and postwar additions. Historic England lists it for its historic interest as a record of how world events affected Gloucester. A visit takes only a few minutes and fits easily into a walk through the city centre, for example on the way to the cathedral. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? No. The memorial is in a public park and can be seen at any time. What is its heritage status? It is listed at Grade II on the National Heritage List for England, designated on 22 April 2022. What is the bronze figure on top? A sphinx, the badge of the Gloucestershire Regiment, whose 1/5th and 2/5th Battalions are named on the cenotaph. Who does the memorial commemorate? Gloucester residents who died in both world wars, women killed in the city's bombing, and those lost in the Korean War.

Wychbury Obelisk

Bromsgrove

Wychbury Obelisk, also called the Hagley Obelisk, is a tall stone landmark on Wychbury Hill in Hagley, Worcestershire, within Bromsgrove District. It stands close to the summit, roughly 150 metres from the West Midlands border, and can be seen from miles around. Public footpaths lead right up to it. Who built the obelisk, and when? Sir Richard Lyttelton, later Lord Lyttelton, commissioned it as part of the designed landscape around Hagley Hall. In July 1764 he ordered an obelisk of about 70 feet (around 21 m) on the hilltop, so that it would form a striking view from the house windows. By September 1770 he wrote that it was finished. Other sources give different construction dates, so the exact year is debated. The structure is recorded in the Historic England listing. For much of the 20th century it decayed, and a restoration took place in 2011. Why does the graffiti mention Bella? The obelisk is tied to an unsolved mystery from 1943. Human remains were found inside a wych elm in nearby Hagley Wood, and the victim was never identified. Local lore gave her the name Bella. The question "Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?" has appeared as graffiti around the area, the obelisk included. It is a curiosity for fans of local mysteries, not an official part of the monument. What else is on the hill? Wychbury Hill belongs to the Clent Hills. The summit also holds the remains of an Iron Age hillfort, Wychbury Ring, now largely covered by trees. From around the obelisk you get views over the surrounding hills and the Black Country towns. Several walks cross the hill: a popular loop starts at Pedmore Lane on the southern edge of Stourbridge, and longer routes, such as Hagley to Barnt Green, include a detour to the top. The North Worcestershire Way also passes nearby. How do you get there? Start in Hagley or at Pedmore Lane and follow the footpaths uphill. The climb is moderate, so wear sturdy shoes; field paths get muddy after rain. The obelisk sits in open countryside with no tickets or opening hours. Coordinates are about 52.4327 N, 2.1176 W. When should you go? Spring to autumn on a clear day is best, with good visibility and drier paths. Morning or late afternoon light suits photos. Winter walks are possible but can be slippery. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee for Wychbury Obelisk? No. It stands beside public footpaths and can be viewed free at any time. Can I go inside the obelisk? No. It is a freestanding column with no visitor interior, so you view it from outside. Who commissioned it and when? Sir Richard Lyttelton ordered it in 1764 and reported it finished in 1770. Some sources suggest earlier dates. What does the Bella graffiti refer to? It refers to an unsolved 1943 case in which an unknown woman's remains were found in a tree in Hagley Wood. The graffiti is not an official feature of the monument.

Malta George Cross Memorial

City of London

Malta George Cross Memorial is a Second World War memorial in the City of London, dedicated to the island of Malta and its long siege from 1940 to 1943. It stands on Byward Street, in the grounds of the church of All Hallows-by-the-Tower, a short walk from the Tower of London. Locals and guidebooks also call it the Maltese Memorial. What does it commemorate? In April 1942 King George VI awarded the George Cross to Malta as a whole, a rare honour given to an entire population for its courage under relentless air attack. This monument marks that moment. The main panel records roughly 7,000 lives lost during the siege, among them Maltese civilians and service personnel from Allied and Commonwealth forces. What will you see? The memorial is a single upright block of limestone quarried on Gozo, the second-largest island of the Maltese archipelago. It rises about 3 metres and weighs 8.5 tons. Each of its four sides carries a black slate panel. A Maltese cross sits above the main inscription. Other panels reproduce the King's 1942 message to Malta's governor, a map showing Mediterranean Fleet operations, and a tribute from President Roosevelt. Walk all the way round, since each face tells a different part of the story. Who built it, and when? The Government of Malta supplied the stone, and the George Cross Island Association erected the memorial for the 60th anniversary of the war's end. Malta's President, Eddie Fenech Adami, unveiled it on 15 August 2005, and Vincent Nichols dedicated it. How do you get there? The nearest Underground stop is Tower Hill (District and Circle lines), and Tower Gateway on the DLR is just as close. From either, expect a walk of a few minutes towards Byward Street. From the entrance to the Tower of London it takes even less. All Hallows-by-the-Tower is next door, so the two fit easily into one stroll. When should you visit? The memorial is outdoors and open to view at any hour, with no ticket needed. It pairs well with a morning at the Tower of London or a walk to Tower Bridge. Weekday mornings bring City commuters through the area, while weekends are calmer. Daylight makes the slate inscriptions easiest to read. Frequently Asked Questions Is there an entry fee? No. It is a public monument you can visit free at any time of day. Where exactly is it? In the City of London on Byward Street (EC3), beside All Hallows-by-the-Tower and close to the Tower of London. What is it made of? One block of Gozo limestone, around 3 metres tall and weighing 8.5 tons, with four black slate inscription panels. How long does a visit take? Ten to fifteen minutes is enough to read all four panels. Add the neighbouring church and you will spend about an hour.

Pillar of Salt

West Suffolk

Pillar of Salt in Bury St Edmunds (Suffolk, in the West Suffolk district) is a road sign from the 1930s that now holds a place on the National Heritage List for England. It stands on Angel Hill, a few steps from the medieval Abbey Gate, and looks far more like a piece of modern sculpture than a street sign. The name refers to the white, column-like shape of the sign, not to any connection with salt. What is the Pillar of Salt? The sign was designed in 1935 by Basil Oliver, who worked as architect for the town council. It is built from whitewashed concrete and metal in the International Modern style. A broad octagonal pier forms the base, and box-framed signs project from it in three directions. A plaque at its foot says it was the first internally lit road sign in the country. Getting it approved took a compromise. Its lettering was taller than the new national standard introduced in 1933, and in June 1935 the Ministry of Transport agreed to letters five inches high. Is it a listed building? Yes. Historic England listed it at Grade II in 1998 under entry number 1376516. The listing text stresses its individual design and sets it apart from the road signs being standardised across Britain at the time. Where is it and how do you get there? You will find it on Angel Hill in the centre of Bury St Edmunds, at roughly 52.245 N, 0.716 E. From the Cornhill market area it is a short walk. Nearby you can see: the Abbey Gate, whose current form dates from the 14th century, after townspeople destroyed the original gateway in riots in 1327, the ruins of the Abbey of St Edmund and the Abbey Gardens, St Edmundsbury Cathedral and the Angel Hotel. Trains run to Bury St Edmunds from Cambridge and Ipswich, and drivers arrive via the A14. Parking in the centre is paid, so leave the car in a town car park and explore on foot. When should you visit? The sign is outdoors, free and open to view at any hour. Morning and late afternoon give the best light for photographs, when the white form stands out against the surrounding brick buildings. Angel Hill also hosts markets and seasonal events, including the Christmas fair, so check the town's events calendar. How much time do you need? Looking at the sign takes 5 to 10 minutes. Combine it with a walk around the abbey grounds and nearby streets and you have about two hours. Frequently asked questions Does the Pillar of Salt relate to Lot's wife in the Bible? No. The nickname describes the look of the white column. The sign is the work of a local architect from 1935. Who designed it? Basil Oliver, architect to Bury St Edmunds town council. Is there an entry fee? No. It stands in an open square and can be seen at any time. Is the sign still illuminated? Its historic importance lies in being internally lit. Whether the light works on a given day depends on maintenance, but the structure itself is a protected monument.

Jubilee Monument, Moel Fammau

Jubilee Monument on Moel Fammau (the Jubilee Tower) stands on the summit of Moel Famau, the highest hill in the Clwydian Range in north-east Wales, on the border of Denbighshire and Flintshire. What remains today is a stone base topped by a viewing platform, and the summit is one of the most popular walking destinations in the region. Why was it built? The monument was planned to mark the fiftieth year of George III's reign in 1810. Local landowners funded it through a subscription. Thomas Harrison of Chester designed an Egyptian-style structure of three tiers crowned by an obelisk. Arguments over money and workmanship slowed the project, and local accounts say it was only finished, in a simpler form, around 1817. It did not last. One corner had collapsed by the mid-1800s, and the obelisk came down in a gale in 1862. Sources differ on the exact dates of the earlier damage, but agree on 1862 for the obelisk. Cadw listed the site as a Grade II building in 1995. In 1970 the remains were consolidated and a viewing platform added, and later the Denbighshire and Flintshire councils secured Heritage Lottery Fund money for better access and conservation. What will you see? A solid stone base with four corner bastions carries the platform. The summit sits at roughly 554 to 555 metres above sea level. On a clear day the views reach Snowdonia, the Cheshire plain and often the coast towards Liverpool. Around you lie heather moorland and the smooth, grassy ridges of the Clwydian Range, part of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape (formerly an AONB). How do you get there? There is no road to the monument; you walk up. Most visitors follow well-marked paths from a car park at the foot of the hill. The Offa's Dyke National Trail also crosses the ridge and is one of the popular ways up. The climb needs no mountaineering gear, but paths can be steep, muddy and exposed, so wear sturdy footwear and bring a warm layer. The site is not suited to wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility. When should you visit? Visibility is best on clear days from spring to early autumn. The summit is usually windier than the valleys, and cloud can hide the panorama entirely, so check the forecast first. Allow roughly one to two hours to reach the top, depending on the route and starting point. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. The monument stands on an open hilltop and you can walk up without a ticket. Can I drive to the top? No. The final stretch is on foot, along a trail from a car park below. Why is so little of the tower left? The structure suffered damage for years, and the obelisk fell in a gale in 1862. The surviving base was secured in 1970, when the viewing platform was added. What can I see from the summit? On a clear day, Snowdonia, the Cheshire plain and stretches of coast. In mist, very little.

Stannington War Memorial

Sheffield

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.

Equestrian statue of William III

Hull

The Equestrian Statue of William III in Kingston upon Hull, known locally as "King Billy", is a gilded sculpture on Market Place in the heart of the Old Town. It is one of the city's best-known landmarks and an easy stop on a walk through the centre. Who made it and what does it show? The statue dates from 1734 and is the work of Peter Scheemakers, a sculptor from Antwerp who worked in England. It shows William III of Orange, who ruled England from 1689, on horseback in classical Roman dress. The figure is larger than life and covered in gilding, so it catches the light from some distance. It was paid for by public subscription, and the inscription on the pedestal praises the king as the nation's "great deliverer". What can you see up close? A stone pedestal ringed by an iron guard rail. A plain drinking fountain added to the base in the nineteenth century. Four Victorian lamps at the corners of the plinth, made by the Hull firm King & Peach. An information plaque on the statue's history. The statue has had an eventful life. During the Second World War it was taken out of the city for safekeeping and only returned to Market Place in 1948. A local legend says that when the clock of Holy Trinity strikes midnight, the king climbs down from his horse and goes for a drink. Is it a protected monument? Yes. Historic England lists the statue together with its lamps at Grade I, the highest category, on the National Heritage List for England (listed in 1952, amended in 1994). How do you get there and when should you go? Market Place is a short walk from Hull Paragon station and the Marina. The statue stands in the open, with no tickets or opening hours, so you can see it at any time. Visit on a sunny day to see the gilding at its brightest, or after dark for the lamps. Any access limits? Hull City Council commissioned a detailed condition survey in July 2025. Restoration is planned once the A63 improvement works are finished, since construction dust would put the work at risk. Scaffolding or barriers may therefore appear around the statue at some point, so check the council's website before you travel. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. It is a public monument you can visit free at any hour. Who sculpted the William III statue in Hull? Peter Scheemakers, in 1734. Why is the statue gold? It is gilded, which sets it apart from other monuments in the city. For the history of earlier gilding campaigns, consult local sources. How long does a visit take? Ten to fifteen minutes is enough, ideally as one stop on a walk around Hull's Old Town.

Lower Shiplake War Memorial

South Oxfordshire

Lower Shiplake War Memorial is a granite village memorial in Lower Shiplake, a Thames-side settlement in South Oxfordshire, a few miles from Henley-on-Thames. Historic England added it to the National Heritage List for England at Grade II on 5 July 2017. What will you see? The memorial stands on a small green. Its lower section is rough-hewn stone: a three-step base carrying a tapering plinth. Above it rises a slender square shaft of polished granite, about two metres tall, with recessed carved panels. At the top, a pair of volutes supports a wheel-cross decorated with Celtic-style carving. Bronze plaques are fixed to the east and west faces. The west one names local men killed in 1914–1918, and the east one those lost in 1939–1945. Both close with the line "Their name liveth for evermore". Fifty-three names appear in total. How did it come to be here? The monument dates from around 1923, part of the wave of village memorials raised after the First World War. With the fallen buried abroad, such memorials became the place where communities gathered to grieve. The land was conveyed to the parish council for the purpose, and the Second World War names were added after 1945. Historic England cites both its value to local memory and its design, especially the volutes and Celtic carving. How do you get there? The memorial sits in the south-east corner of the green where the A4155 meets Station Road, right next to Shiplake railway station. Trains run on the Henley branch, usually with a change at Twyford from London Paddington. By car, Henley is a few minutes away. Coordinates: 51.5104 N, 0.8904 W. When should you visit? The memorial is open air and free, accessible all year. Daylight shows the carving and plaque lettering best. The key date is Remembrance Sunday in November, when services are held at memorials across Britain. On other days it makes a quiet stop on a local walk. What else is nearby? Shiplake lies close to the Thames Path, so the memorial pairs easily with a riverside walk. Shiplake Memorial Hall, opened in 1927 as a village hall given by the Mardon family in memory of their son, is also in the village. For a longer outing, Henley-on-Thames, home of the famous regatta, is close. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. The memorial stands on an open green and can be visited at any time. What is it made of? Granite, with bronze name plaques. How many names are recorded? Fifty-three in total, from both world wars. Is it a listed monument? Yes. It has been Grade II listed since 2017.

Malton War Memorial and Screening Wall

Malton

Malton War Memorial and Screening Wall stands on Yorkersgate in Malton, a historic market town in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire. It sits close to the junction with Horsemarket, on the road running toward the town centre. Historic England protects it as a Grade II listed structure. What is this memorial? A stone cross rises on a tall, tapering shaft with a six-sided section, set on a stepped pedestal. Behind it curves a low wall shaped like half a hexagon, which the listing calls the screening wall. The wall has a coped top, and a carved heraldic lion crouches at each end. Both cross and wall are sandstone, and the wall is rusticated, meaning its joints are deeply cut for a rugged look. The monument dates to around 1920, part of the wave of local memorials raised after the First World War. The records consulted name no designer, so none is credited here. What will you see? Each face of the plinth carries a single virtue: Justice, Mercy, Obedience, Sacrifice, Courage and Patience. Panels on the pedestal bear an anchor, an RAF cipher and a sword, nodding to the navy, the air force and the army. Portland stone tablets on the wall carry the names. The central First World War panel lists 86 men, according to the Imperial War Museum's register, while a Second World War panel to the right adds 29 more. How do you get there, and how long do you need? The memorial lies beside a busy street, a few minutes on foot from Malton's centre and market area. Malton railway station is a short walk away. Allow 10 to 15 minutes to look at the carvings and read the names. There is no admission charge, because it stands in public space. Pair it with a stroll through a town known for its food markets, and with a visit to Old Malton and the Priory Church of St Mary. When should you visit? The memorial is open to view all year. Morning or afternoon light brings out the lions and the lettering best. The most meaningful time is Remembrance Sunday, the Sunday nearest 11 November, when residents gather at war memorials across Britain. For quiet reading of the tablets, choose another day. Frequently asked questions Is the memorial a protected monument? Yes. Historic England lists the War Memorial and Screening Wall in Malton at Grade II, with the entry dating from 1993. How many names does it carry? The Imperial War Museum register records 86 names from the First World War and 29 from the Second World War. Is there an entrance fee? No. It stands beside the street and can be viewed free of charge at any time. Is it the same as the screen wall near Malton Lodge? No. The historic screen wall by Malton Lodge is a separate and much older structure with its own listing.

War Memorial

North Hertfordshire

Royston War Memorial stands on Melbourn Street in the market town of Royston, in North Hertfordshire, England. It sits beside the entrance to the Priory Memorial Gardens and is the town's main place of remembrance. What is this memorial? It was unveiled in 1922 to honour local people killed in the First World War. Names from the Second World War were added later, so both conflicts are recorded on its faces. Historic England lists it at Grade II, a status granted on 2 August 2001, around the time the monument was renovated. Further repair work later received a war memorial grant. What will you see? The central section is carved from Portland stone and carries relief figures, including an archer, a knight and a soldier from the Napoleonic era. In front stands a bronze statuette of a First World War private. Together the figures suggest the long tradition of military service in the area. Step up close to read the lists of names. What else is nearby? The Priory Memorial Gardens lie directly behind the monument. They were laid out after the Second World War as a tribute to the town's war dead, to a design by local architect Arthur Whydale, who also created the north gates honouring Royal Navy and RAF casualties. Inside you will find a memorial to the US Army Air Force's 91st Bomb Group, which flew from nearby Bassingbourn, and a plaque by a tree planted in 2008 for soldiers lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. How do you get there? The memorial is in central Royston, a few minutes on foot from the market place and the parish church. Royston railway station is on the Cambridge to London King's Cross line, so the train is the easiest option. Drivers can use parking in the town centre. When should you visit? There is no entry fee and no opening hours, so any time works. Bright daylight shows the stone carving best. Remembrance Sunday in November is the most atmospheric moment, with a ceremony at the monument and poppy wreaths laid at its base. Frequently asked questions Is it free to visit? Yes. The memorial is by the roadside and the neighbouring gardens are open to visitors. Is the memorial a listed monument? Yes. It has been Grade II listed since 2001. Who does it commemorate? It was built for the town's First World War dead and now also names those lost in the Second World War. How long should you allow? Looking at the memorial takes ten to fifteen minutes. Add a stroll through the Priory Memorial Gardens and you will need about an hour.

Sherburn Hill War Memorial

Durham

Sherburn Hill War Memorial stands in the former mining village of Sherburn Hill in County Durham, north-east England. A red granite obelisk raised in 1921, it commemorates local people who died in the two world wars, and it has been a Grade II listed structure since 2016. What is the memorial? It began as a First World War memorial and was unveiled in 1921. Keys to the Past records that it was formally handed to the Parish Council at a remembrance service the following year. Names from the Second World War were added afterwards. Sherburn Hill lies in the civil parish of Shadforth, which is why official records file the monument under that parish. What does it look like? The monument is an obelisk of red granite on a pedestal, set on a raised platform and enclosed by low railings. Names of the men lost in 1914–1918 are carved on the faces of the pedestal. The dedication and the 1939–1945 names appear on pink granite panels fixed to the risers of the top two steps. Why is it listed? Historic England added the memorial to the National Heritage List for England on 15 November 2016 (list entry 1439729) at Grade II. Grade II is the lowest of the three listing grades in England and covers nationally important structures. Where is it and how do you visit? You will find it on Front Street, outside the former Miners' Institute, which now serves as the village community centre. The coordinates are roughly 54.773 N, 1.482 W. It sits in the open beside the road, so it can be viewed at any time and there is no admission charge. Is it easy to confuse with other memorials nearby? Yes, there are two to watch for. The Sherburn Village memorial on Hope Street in neighbouring Sherburn was unveiled on 11 November 2007 and is a separate monument. A memorial plaque inside St Cuthbert's Church in Shadforth, unveiled in 1921 and 1952, also lists the fallen but is not the listed structure. Frequently asked questions When was Sherburn Hill War Memorial unveiled? In 1921. Second World War names were added later. What is it made of? The obelisk and pedestal are red granite; the Second World War panels are pink granite. Is it a listed monument? Yes. It has been Grade II listed by Historic England since 15 November 2016 (entry 1439729). Where exactly is it? On Front Street in Sherburn Hill, outside the former Miners' Institute, now the community centre.

Nell Gwynns Monument In Park Wood

Dacorum

Nell Gwynn's Monument in Park Wood is a stone obelisk standing in woodland above Tring Park, in the Dacorum district of Hertfordshire. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with the royal mistress. It is an 18th-century landscape feature of the Tring Park estate and is now a nationally listed structure. What is Nell Gwynn's Monument? The obelisk is about 50 feet (roughly 15 metres) tall. It is built of limestone ashlar over a red brick core and stands on a circular clearing among the trees on the hillside overlooking Tring Park. It carries no inscription, so there is no plaque telling its story on site. It is listed Grade II on the National Heritage List for England (entry 1078002). It was first listed on 21 September 1951 and the entry was last amended on 29 May 1986. Who built it, and why the name? Historic England dates the structure to the early 1700s and attributes the design to James Gibbs for William Gore, the owner of the Tring Park estate. It was meant as a focal point in the designed landscape. The name is purely local usage. Nell Gwyn, the actress and mistress of Charles II, died in 1687, before the obelisk went up, and local writers note that no verifiable link to her has been found. Where is it? The monument lies in Park Wood on Oddy Hill, in Tring parish, and the heritage register places it in Dacorum district. The nearest towns are Tring and Berkhamsted, and the setting is the wooded Chiltern Hills. Tring Park is owned by Dacorum Borough Council and has been managed by the Woodland Trust since the 1990s. What will you see? a tall pale-stone obelisk glimpsed between the trees, a circular clearing around its base, typical Chiltern hillside woodland, a second Grade II structure in the park's north-east corner, a summerhouse. There is no visitor centre or tourist infrastructure here. It works best as a destination for a woodland walk rather than a stand-alone half-day attraction. When should you go? The woods look best in spring and autumn. Paths on the slope can be muddy after rain, so wear sturdy footwear. In winter, light fades quickly under the trees, so plan your walk for daylight hours. Frequently asked questions Is the monument connected to Nell Gwyn? There is no evidence of it. The name is a local tradition, and the obelisk was built after her death. Who designed the obelisk? According to Historic England, James Gibbs, for William Gore. Is there an inscription? No, the structure bears no inscription. Is it protected? Yes. It is listed Grade II (entry 1078002).

Jacob, the circle dray horse

Londyn

Jacob, the Circle Dray Horse is a bronze sculpture of a working horse in Bermondsey, south London, a short walk from Tower Bridge. It stands at the centre of The Circle residential development on Queen Elizabeth Street and recalls the horses that once served a brewery on this stretch of the Thames. What does the Jacob sculpture show? Jacob is a realistic, over-life-size dray horse, the kind of animal that hauled barrels of beer to London pubs. He honours the horses of John Courage's Anchor Brewhouse, which were stabled close to where the statue now stands. The name echoes Jacob's Island, a historic part of Bermondsey. Who made it, and when? The sculptor is Shirley Pace. The work dates from 1987 and was commissioned by the developers of The Circle, Jacobs Island Company and Farlane Properties. According to the plaque, the horse was flown in by helicopter to launch the scheme. The plinth carries two bronze plaques naming firms involved in the development. Is it protected? Yes. Jacob is Grade II listed on the National Heritage List for England. The listing covers more than the horse itself: the surrounding hard landscaping, including a brick planter and service structures in the communal gardens, forms part of it. How to visit The statue sits in the middle of a circular residential courtyard off Queen Elizabeth Street, in the borough of Southwark. Because the setting is private housing, treat it as a short stop on a walk rather than a destination in itself, and keep noise down. Tower Bridge and Shad Thames are nearby, so it fits easily into a stroll along the south bank. Frequently asked questions Is Jacob a real horse? No, he is a bronze sculpture commemorating the dray horses that delivered Courage beer to pubs across London. Who created the statue? Shirley Pace, in 1987. Is there an entrance fee? No tickets are needed, but the statue stands within a residential estate. Access to the communal gardens may be limited, so be considerate of residents. Why is he called Jacob? Sources link the name to Jacob's Island, the old name for this part of Bermondsey, and to the developer that commissioned the piece.

Mildenhall War Memorial, Suffolk

West Suffolk

Mildenhall War Memorial stands in the Suffolk town of Mildenhall, in the West Suffolk district, on a small island where King Street meets Kingsway. It is a figure of a soldier carved in Portland stone, and it honours local people who died in the two World Wars. Since June 2022 it has been a Grade II listed structure on the National Heritage List for England (entry 1481073). What will you see at the memorial? A uniformed infantryman with a rifle stands at ease on top of a square pillar. The pillar rises from a three-step square base, and polished granite panels are fixed to its sides. Around the monument runs a ring of short stone posts joined by metal chains, which marks it off from the traffic around it. One detail draws the eye of visitors who look closely. Records kept by memorial enthusiasts note that the rifle appears to have been put back together the wrong way round, with the foresight underneath and the bayonet catch on top. This is attributed to a clumsy repair after vandalism. Another note says the dark name panels may be later replacements. Whose names are recorded here? The memorial lists 86 people who fell in the First World War, on its east and west faces, in alphabetical order with initials only. The south face carries 36 names from the Second World War. Three of them are women: Martha Brightwell, Gertie Hutchinson and Evelyn Palmer. The same names appear on a separate tablet inside St Mary's Church, and the church also holds a First World War roll, so both places are worth a visit if you are tracing local history or a family connection. Where is it and how do you get there? The monument is in the town centre, at the junction of King Street and Kingsway (postcode IP28 7ET). It is open-air and always accessible, since it stands beside the public road. The pavement around the island is narrow and traffic passes close by, so cross at the nearest safe point and take photographs from the footway. St Mary's Church is a short walk away in the same town. The Market Place, with its own separately listed market cross, is also nearby, but that cross is not a war memorial. Do not confuse this site with the RAF station of the same name outside town, or with Mildenhall in Wiltshire. When is the best time to visit? The memorial can be seen at any time of year and takes only a few minutes. Remembrance Sunday in November is the day when the town gathers here and wreaths are laid, which makes it the most meaningful moment to come, though the area is then busier. Outside that date the site is quiet, and daylight is best for reading the inscriptions. Frequently asked questions Is Mildenhall War Memorial listed? Yes. It was designated Grade II in 2022 and appears on the National Heritage List for England under entry 1481073. Older register records that call it unlisted pre-date this decision. How many names are on the memorial? There are 86 names from the First World War and 36 from the Second World War, including three women. Is there an entrance fee or opening time? No. It stands in the open beside a public road and can be visited at any hour. Where else in Mildenhall can I find the same names? St Mary's Church holds a Second World War tablet and a First World War roll that repeat the names of the fallen.

Neville's Cross

Durham

Neville's Cross in Durham is a medieval memorial cross marking the battle fought on 17 October 1346 on the city's western edge. What survives today is modest: an eroded shaft and a broad square base, enclosed by a low wall and iron railings. It suits visitors interested in English and Scottish history rather than anyone planning a long stop. What is Neville's Cross? The name covers both the cross and the Durham suburb around it, which lies along the A167 west of the city centre. The cross itself is a scheduled monument and appears on the National Heritage List for England as Grade II. Historic England describes it as a medieval cross put up to commemorate the 1346 battle. What can you see there? The remains consist of a sandstone shaft roughly one metre tall, heavily weathered, set on a wide square base. A low wall topped with iron railings surrounds it, so you view it from the pavement. Its condition is rated poor, yet the official record places it in its original position. Accounts from the 16th century describe a far grander structure with a stepped base and a crucifix. Durham County Council and the City of Durham Parish Council recently refurbished the monument, repointing the stonework, clearing vegetation, repainting the railings and installing an information panel. What battle does it recall? The Scottish army camped outside Durham on 16 October 1346. The next morning the two sides met on the ridge near Neville's Cross. King David II of Scotland was left exposed when part of his force fell away, and he was taken prisoner. The battlefield has its own Historic England entry as a registered battlefield; the cross is a memorial to it, not the battlefield itself. How do you get there? The cross stands on the north side of Crossgate Peth, opposite St John's Church, at the western end of the street. From central Durham it is an uphill walk of around fifteen minutes, and local buses run along the A167. Approximate coordinates are 54.7724 N, 1.5934 W. There is no charge, since you see the monument from the street. What else is nearby? Maiden's Bower, a separate protected monument and probably a Bronze Age burial mound, lies close by. According to tradition, the relics of St Cuthbert were placed there during the 1346 battle. The stop pairs well with Durham Cathedral and Castle, both part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When should you visit? The monument is open to view all year because it stands beside a public road. Pick a dry day and combine it with a walk into the city. The battle's anniversary falls on 17 October. Frequently asked questions Is Neville's Cross the battlefield? No. It is a cross commemorating the battle, and the battlefield is recorded separately by Historic England. Is there an entry fee? No. The cross is beside the road, behind a wall and railings. How long does a visit take? About 10 to 15 minutes, longer if you walk on to Maiden's Bower or the city centre. What protection does it have? It is a scheduled monument and a Grade II entry on the National Heritage List for England.

Cowlinge War Memorial

West Suffolk

Cowlinge War Memorial is a listed First World War memorial in the village of Cowlinge, West Suffolk, in eastern England. It sits in the middle of a road junction in the village centre and has been protected as a Grade II listed structure since 2018. What is the memorial? The monument honours people from Cowlinge who died in the First World War. Historic England's listing records 30 local servicemen who were killed, and notes a further 66 villagers who served. Like many English village memorials, it was raised by the local community in the years after the war. It was unveiled on 6 March 1921 by Lieutenant-General Sir Charles Briggs. The mason responsible was the firm F. H. Goddard. What does it look like? The memorial is a wheel-head cross of rough-hewn grey granite, standing on a stepped base. The inscription is on the east face of the plinth, and a metal railing surrounds the whole structure. It is Grade II listed on the National Heritage List for England (entry 1453920), added on 5 March 2018. The War Memorials Online database also holds a record for it, under reference WMO/166571. Where is it and how do you get there? The cross stands where Queen Street meets Tillbrooks Hill, in the heart of the village, at roughly 52.161 N, 0.505 E. Driving is the simplest way to reach it. Cowlinge is a rural village with limited public transport, so check bus times beforehand if you are not travelling by car. Is it free, and when should you visit? The memorial is beside a public road, so you can see it at any hour at no cost, with no ticket office or opening times. Take care around passing traffic, since it stands on a junction. The most atmospheric moment is around Remembrance Sunday in November, when poppy wreaths are traditionally laid at village memorials across Britain. What else is nearby? Cowlinge is small, and a stop at the memorial takes only a few minutes. It pairs well with a drive through neighbouring West Suffolk villages, their medieval churches and country lanes. For the stories behind the names, local-history and remembrance sites such as Roll of Honour collect biographical details. Frequently asked questions When was Cowlinge War Memorial unveiled? On 6 March 1921, after the First World War. Is it a listed monument? Yes. Historic England gave it Grade II status in 2018, under list entry 1453920. How many names does it carry? Historic England's entry refers to 30 men who died in the First World War. Other websites quote slightly different figures, so check several sources if you are researching a specific person. Does it cost anything to visit? No. It stands beside a public road and is open to view at all times.

Polish Air Force Memorial

Londyn

Polish Air Force Memorial in London stands at the junction of Western Avenue (A40) and West End Road in Ruislip, in the borough of Hillingdon, right beside RAF Northolt. It honours the airmen of the Polish Air Force who fought alongside the Allies in the Second World War, and it is one of the most significant Polish sites in Britain. Why is the memorial here? Seven Polish-manned fighter squadrons were based at Northolt at different points during the war. More than 18,000 men and women served in the Polish squadrons of the RAF, and over 2,000 of them died. The monument grew out of an initiative by Polish airmen's circles and was unveiled on 2 November 1948. Air Chief Marshal Lord Tedder led the ceremony, and August Zaleski, President of Poland in exile, attended. What will you see? The sculptor Mieczysław Lubelski designed the monument. A column of Portland stone and polished granite carries a bronze eagle, the emblem of Polish aviation, on top. The bronze was cast by Morris Singer. The front face shows the names of fourteen Polish squadrons, and the memorial also lists the names of the fallen airmen, more than two thousand in total. The bronze lettering stays legible from a few metres away. The memorial is on the National Heritage List for England. It was first listed in 2002 and raised to Grade II* in September 2020, on the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, which places it among the more highly protected war memorials. How do you get there, and can you go in? The memorial is outdoors in an open space and free to visit at any hour. It sits beside a busy trunk road, so take care near the traffic and use the crossings. The nearest rail and Tube stations are Northolt and South Ruislip (Central line). For the last stretch, a bus or taxi works well, and a quick check in a journey planner will give you the current route. There is no café or toilet at the site itself. When is the best time to visit? Go in daylight, when the sculpture and inscriptions are easiest to read. The anniversary of the Battle of Britain in September and the remembrance period in November bring wreath-laying ceremonies. A visit takes 20 to 30 minutes. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. The memorial is open to the public, with no gates or tickets. Who designed it? The Polish sculptor Mieczysław Lubelski. It was unveiled in 1948. Is the site suitable for wheelchair users? The area around the monument is open, but its position at a road junction calls for care. Check the approach from your chosen stop before you travel. Can you visit RAF Northolt itself? No. It is an active military airfield and is not open to tourists. You can see only the memorial at its boundary.

Newbury Town War Memorial

Newbury

Newbury Town War Memorial is the main memorial to the fallen of Newbury, a market town in Berkshire, southern England. It stands beside St Nicolas Church on Bartholomew Street and takes the form of a stone cross with a commemorative wall carrying the names of local people killed in both world wars. Historic England gave it Grade II listed status in 2016. What will you see? The memorial combines a cross with a low wall of name panels. The lower tier records 339 men lost in the First World War. The upper tier was added in 1950 and lists 171 names from the Second World War. The design is restrained and dignified, typical of British civic memorials of the early 1920s. Because it sits next to the church, a short stop here fits easily into a walk around the town centre. Who designed it, and when was it unveiled? The architect was Sir Mervyn Macartney, and the memorial dates from 1922. Sources disagree on the ceremony date: the Imperial War Museums register gives 1 October, while a local heritage tour says 11 November, Armistice Day. Newbury Town Council is the custodian. How do you get there? Newbury lies roughly 90 km west of London, and trains from Paddington take a little over an hour. The memorial is in the town centre, a short walk from the main shopping street, Northbrook Street. Its coordinates are 51.4012, -1.3243. When is the best time to visit? The memorial is outdoors and open to view all year. It is most moving around Remembrance Sunday in November, when the town holds its main service here. The council also marks anniversaries such as VE Day and D-Day at the site. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. The memorial stands in a public space and can be visited at any time without a ticket. How many names are on the memorial? There are 510 in total: 339 from the First World War and 171 from the Second World War, added in 1950. Is the memorial a listed monument? Yes. It was listed at Grade II in May 2016 (National Heritage List entry 1431903). How long should I allow? A visit to the memorial itself takes about ten to fifteen minutes. Combine it with a stroll through central Newbury and a look at St Nicolas Church.