Monuments in the United Kingdom

Statue of Corbet Woodall

Londyn

The Statue of Corbet Woodall in London is a bronze figure standing in a small memorial garden on Twelvetrees Crescent, in the borough of Newham, east London. It commemorates a gas engineer who led one of the capital's biggest utility companies in the early twentieth century, and it is a listed monument. Who was Corbet Woodall? Corbet Woodall (1841–1916) was a leading figure in the gas industry. In 1906 he became governor of the Gas Light & Coke Company, which supplied town gas to much of London, and he held the post until his death. The inscription on the front of the plinth records exactly that: governor, 1906–1916. Some records spell the surname "Woodhall", so try both versions when searching. What will you see? The statue shows Woodall standing, dressed in academic gowns. The figure is cast in bronze and rests on a neo-Classical plinth of Portland stone. The sculptor's name, Walker, is carved low on the plinth beneath the figure's right foot, and the work is dated to around 1926. The casting carries the stamp of the G. Fiorini foundry. The monument has not always stood here. It was originally placed at Beckton, site of the company's vast gasworks, and was later moved to the Twelvetrees Crescent garden. It is one of the few visible reminders of the gas industry along this stretch of east London. Is it protected? Yes. Historic England added the statue to the National Heritage List for England on 9 April 2008 at Grade II (list entry 1392548). The listing covers the sculpture and its plinth. How do you get there? The garden is in Canning Town North, close to the A12 and the Bromley-by-Bow area. The easiest approach is to travel by Tube or rail to a nearby station such as Bromley-by-Bow or West Ham and walk the rest. The coordinates are 51.5235, -0.0046. When should you visit, and how long does it take? The statue stands in the open with no tickets or opening hours, so you can see it at any time. Daylight is best for photographing the bronze and reading the inscription. Ten to fifteen minutes is enough, and the stop pairs well with other east London sights such as Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Three Mills. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? No. The monument is in a public garden. Is the statue a listed building? Yes, it has been Grade II listed since 2008. Who does it depict? Corbet Woodall, a gas engineer and governor of the Gas Light & Coke Company from 1906 to 1916. Why is it in Canning Town rather than Beckton? It was moved from Beckton, the company's former gas-production centre, to the memorial garden on Twelvetrees Crescent.

Westbury On Trym War Memorial

Bristol

Westbury On Trym War Memorial is a stone obelisk honouring local people killed in the world wars, standing in Westbury-on-Trym, a former village that is now a suburb in north-west Bristol. It sits on High Street in the historic heart of the area and carries Grade II status on the National Heritage List for England. What will you see? The memorial is a slim obelisk in pale limestone ashlar, raised on a square plinth. The plinth holds the name plaques and a carved swag decoration. The look is plain and dignified, typical of the memorials erected in England soon after the First World War. The official record dates it to around 1920. Alongside the First World War names, local people lost in the Second World War were added later, together with an inscription linked to Kohima. What is its story? After the war a local committee raised money for a memorial and hired the Bristol firm James and Steadman to design it. Their obelisk proposal caused a row. The vicar, the Rev Dr Wilkins, regarded the shape as a pagan symbol and objected, and the argument ran in the local press for months. The memorial was finally unveiled at 3pm on Sunday 11 July 1920, with the Lord Mayor of Bristol and the Bishop of Bristol in attendance. The vicar stayed away. Around 150 names of the fallen were recorded at that point. The structure was listed on 4 March 1977 and the entry was amended in 1994. It was previously described as standing in the centre of a roundabout, a reminder of how the surroundings have changed. How do you get there? Westbury-on-Trym lies a few miles north-west of central Bristol. Local buses run from the city centre, and you can also drive. The memorial is beside a busy road, so a visit means viewing it from outside. It is open-air and free, with no tickets or opening hours. When should you visit? You can see it all year round. It has a particular atmosphere around Remembrance Sunday in November, when residents lay poppy wreaths here. At other times, pick a bright day so the names on the plaques are easy to read. Combine the stop with a walk around the suburb, which keeps its village street pattern and has an ancient collegiate church of the Holy Trinity nearby. Is it worth a stop? It is a modest but interesting site for anyone curious about local history and First World War remembrance. The dispute over its design shows how communities after 1918 worked out together how to honour their dead. Frequently asked questions Is the memorial a listed building? Yes. It is Grade II on the National Heritage List for England, entry number 1293153. When was it unveiled? On 11 July 1920, in the presence of the Lord Mayor and the Bishop of Bristol. Why was the design controversial? The local vicar considered an obelisk a pagan symbol and campaigned against the proposal. Do you have to pay to visit? No. It stands in a public open space and can be viewed at any time.

Amberley War Memorial

Stroud

Amberley War Memorial is a Grade II listed First World War memorial in the Cotswold village of Amberley, near Stroud in Gloucestershire. It occupies a small triangular green at the northern edge of the village beside Marling Close, on a ridge above the surrounding valleys. A stone wheel cross rises on a tall column, a quiet and well-kept example of a village memorial from the years after 1918. What is the memorial? The memorial dates from around 1920. Its tapering limestone column carries a carved wheel cross and stands on a plinth, which in turn sits on a base of three steps. There is no figure sculpture: the design relies on simple proportions and the height of the column against the sky. An inscription reads "Our Glorious Dead" with the dates 1914 to 1918 and 1939 to 1945, followed by the names of local people who died in the two wars. The Second World War names were added in 1949, when nine men were commemorated. Who built it, and what protects it? A local committee, the Amberley War Memorial Committee, formed in 1919 to raise and organise the memorial. That group later became the Amberley branch of the Royal British Legion, the veterans' charity, and the branch was responsible for the 1949 additions. Historic England added the memorial to the National Heritage List for England in January 2012 at Grade II (list entry 1406640). Administratively it falls within the parish of Minchinhampton in Stroud District. It also has a record in the Imperial War Museum's War Memorials Register (reference 29322) and an entry on War Memorials Online. How do you get there? Amberley sits on the hills a few miles south of Stroud, close to Minchinhampton and Nailsworth. A car or bike is the easiest way to reach it. The village has little visitor infrastructure, so expect to park on the roadside and leave space for residents. The memorial stands in the open with no gate or charge, and you can see it at any time of day. Please keep to the paths and stay off the steps. Take care not to confuse it with the separate memorial in the centre of Minchinhampton, or with other places called Amberley, such as the one in West Sussex. What else is nearby? Amberley borders Minchinhampton Common, a large expanse of National Trust grassland where cattle and horses graze and the views stretch toward the Severn valley. It suits short walks and bike rides. The surrounding villages show the honey-coloured limestone architecture typical of the Cotswolds. When should you visit? Spring and summer give long days and the best walking conditions. On Remembrance Sunday, the Sunday closest to 11 November, many English villages hold a service at their memorials. If you want to see that local tradition, check the parish or council notices in advance, as arrangements change from year to year. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. The memorial stands on a public green and is free to visit. Is it a listed monument? Yes. It has been Grade II listed since 2012. How long should I allow? Ten to fifteen minutes is enough. Combine it with a walk on the nearby common. Is there an information board? The main information is the inscription on the plinth. For the history, consult the Historic England and Imperial War Museum records before your visit. Is it the same as the Minchinhampton memorial? No. Minchinhampton has its own memorial in the town centre. Amberley's cross is a separate, smaller monument at the village edge.

Drumblade, War Memorial

Drumblade War Memorial stands in the village of Drumblade in Aberdeenshire, north-east Scotland. It honours local people from the parish who died in the two world wars, and it suits visitors who like to pause at the quiet history of ordinary Scottish villages. Who does the Drumblade memorial remember? TracesOfWar records that the monument names 26 Drumblade residents killed or missing in the First World War, plus a single casualty from the Second World War. For a small farming community that is a heavy toll, and each name stands for a family from the surrounding farms and cottages. Wikidata classifies the site as a war memorial in Aberdeenshire. We found no publicly available description of its sculpture, materials or unveiling date, so we do not state any here. You can see the details for yourself on site. Where is Drumblade and how do you get there? The memorial sits at roughly 57.441 N, 2.705 W, in agricultural countryside a few kilometres east of the town of Huntly. A car is the easiest way to reach it. Minor roads run out from Huntly through the parish, and satnav using the coordinates will take you to the spot. Country lanes are narrow, so park considerately and keep passing places clear. What else is nearby? Drumblade parish church is a Category B listed building (LB2971), and its churchyard received separate listing in 1984. The Aberdeenshire Historic Environment Record notes the First World War Commonwealth war grave of Private Charles Ross of the Gordon Highlanders there. Other listed structures in the parish include Drumblade House, a mill and a former toll-house. According to the public list of the parish's listed buildings, the war memorial itself is not among them. When should you visit? The memorial is in a public space and can be seen all year. Late spring to early autumn gives the longest days and mildest weather in this part of Scotland. Around Remembrance Sunday in November, many British villages lay poppy wreaths at memorials like this one, which gives the place a particular atmosphere. How should you behave at the memorial? It is a place of remembrance. Keep voices low, do not climb on any part of the monument and take your litter with you. Photographs are fine as long as they do not disturb other visitors. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee for the Drumblade memorial? No. It is freely accessible. How many people does it commemorate? According to TracesOfWar, 26 residents lost in the First World War and one from the Second World War. Is the memorial a listed monument? We found no listing for the memorial itself. The parish church in Drumblade is listed at Category B. How long should I allow? Usually ten to fifteen minutes, ideally combined with other stops around Huntly.

Alton War Memorial

East Hampshire

Alton War Memorial stands on the High Street in Alton, a market town in East Hampshire, southern England. It is a rugged stone cairn honouring local people killed in the two world wars, and it holds Grade II listed status. What is the memorial? The monument is a beehive-shaped heap of rough granite blocks. The War Memorials Online register describes the stone as Cornish and puts the weight at around 30 tons. A bronze panel carries the names of the fallen. The cairn went up in 1920, and the Second World War names were added in 1949. The registers do not name a designer. The wording is brief: "Our Glorious Dead", the year spans 1914–1919 and 1939–1945, and the line "Their name liveth for evermore". A flagpole stands directly behind the cairn. Is it protected? Yes. Historic England lists it as "War Memorial Immediately North of Assembly Rooms", entry 1389298, Grade II, dated to about 1920. War Memorials Online keeps its own record under reference WMO/102973. What else is nearby? The register counts two neighbouring buildings as part of the commemoration: the former Mechanics Institute and the Assembly Rooms, today home to the Curtis Museum. Each has a dedication tablet on its wall. The Assembly Rooms plaque records the building being given to the town to mark the Allied victories of the Great War. You can take in the cairn, the tablets and the local museum within a few steps of each other. Small modern touches show up among the rocks too, such as wooden centenary crosses and painted stones noted in condition reports. How do you get there? The address given in the register is High Street, Alton, GU34 1BA, in the middle of town. It is a short walk from the main shopping streets. Alton lies in north-east Hampshire and is reachable by road and by rail, so a visit works well as a stop on a day out in the area. When should you visit? The memorial is outdoors beside a public street, so you can see it at any hour and there is nothing to pay. It carries the most meaning around Remembrance Sunday and 11 November, when ceremonies take place across Britain. The museum next door keeps its own opening times, so check them before you plan to go inside. Frequently asked questions Does it cost anything to visit? No. The cairn is on a public street and open to view at all times. Who is commemorated? Local people who died in 1914–1919 and 1939–1945, with names on the bronze panel. How long should I allow? A few minutes for the memorial itself. With the Curtis Museum and a stroll along High Street, around an hour is plenty. Is the memorial listed? Yes, Grade II on the National Heritage List for England, entry 1389298.

Obelisk At Umberslade Park

Stratford-on-Avon

Obelisk At Umberslade Park is an 18th-century stone obelisk in the Warwickshire parish of Tanworth-in-Arden, within the Stratford-on-Avon district. A Grade II listed monument, it belongs to the family of English landscape follies, structures built to be looked at rather than used. What is the Umberslade Obelisk and who built it? It dates from 1749 and was commissioned by Thomas Archer, 1st Baron Archer, owner of nearby Umberslade Hall. The mason-builder was William Hiorne of Warwick. The listing describes it as an eye-catcher, a landmark placed to punctuate the view from the house. The hall itself holds a separate, higher Grade II* listing. What does it look like? The shaft is square in section and rises about 21 metres (roughly 70 ft). It is built of limestone ashlar on a stepped plinth with a moulded cornice, and a ball finial with a metal spike crowns the top. The spike once carried a star, which survives only in old photographs. Together with neighbouring Obelisk Farmhouse, the monument forms a listed group. Why was it built? No record gives a reason. The theory most often repeated links it to Archer's elevation to the peerage in 1747. Others point to an interest in astronomy, hinted at by the star, or to political events of the period. How do you get there, and what should you know about access? The obelisk stands on the old Umberslade estate, now cut off from the park by the M40 motorway. The surrounding land is private and includes a working farm, so walking right up to the monument may not be possible. The sensible approach is to view it from public roads and legal rights of way, and to check current access before you set out. Do not enter fields without the landowner's permission. The nearest villages are Hockley Heath and Tanworth-in-Arden, and Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham are both a short drive away. When is the best time to visit? Pale limestone shows best in low morning or evening light against green fields. Spring and summer give the clearest views, since autumn foliage and field crops can partly hide the base. A stop here takes little time, so it pairs well with other Warwickshire sights such as castles and Arden villages. Frequently asked questions Is the obelisk a protected monument? Yes. Historic England listed it at Grade II in 1967 under list entry 1382419. How tall is it? About 21 metres, or around 70 feet. Can you walk up to it? The land nearby is private and includes a farm, so access can be limited. View it from public roads and check current access first. Why was it built? It was designed to adorn the view from Umberslade Hall. The exact motive is undocumented, and the most popular theory ties it to Archer receiving his title in 1747.

Armstrong Memorial

Newcastle upon Tyne

Armstrong Memorial in Newcastle upon Tyne is a bronze statue honouring William George Armstrong, 1st Baron Armstrong, standing on Barras Bridge beside the Great North Museum: Hancock. It is a familiar landmark on the walk between the city centre and the university quarter. Who was Armstrong, and why a memorial? Born in Newcastle in 1810, Armstrong became one of Victorian Britain's leading industrialists. His engineering, armaments and shipbuilding works grew into the firm later known as Armstrong Whitworth. He lived at Cragside in Northumberland and died there in 1900. The city commemorated him with this monument, erected in 1905–06. What can you see? The sculptor was Hamo Thornycroft; the architectural setting is by William Henry Knowles. A life-size bronze Armstrong stands on a tall square sandstone pedestal reached by two curved steps. He holds a roll of drawings, and a small terrier sits at his feet. Low screen walls on either side carry relief panels about the work that made his name. One shows guns being lowered onto a ship, the other the Swing Bridge over the Tyne, linked to Armstrong's engineering legacy. Statue, walls and piers together are Grade II listed, a status granted in 1987. How do you get there? The memorial is at the junction of Barras Bridge and Claremont Road, facing the Hancock museum. Haymarket Metro station is roughly 200 metres away, a few minutes on foot. Central Newcastle is compact, so it pairs easily with a walk to Exhibition Park or the Town Moor. When should you visit? The statue stands in the open street, so you can see it at any hour without a ticket. Daylight shows the relief detail best. Many visitors combine it with a stop inside the Great North Museum: Hancock next door. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is the Armstrong Memorial? On Barras Bridge in Newcastle upon Tyne, in front of the Great North Museum: Hancock. It is not on Haymarket, although the station of that name is very close. Who made it, and when? Hamo Thornycroft sculpted it, and it was unveiled in 1905–06. Is there an entry fee? No. It stands beside the road and can be viewed at any time. How long does a visit take? Ten to fifteen minutes is usually enough to walk around the monument and look at the reliefs.

Speke's Monument

City of Westminster

Speke's Monument is a granite obelisk in Kensington Gardens, in the City of Westminster, London. It honours John Hanning Speke, the British army officer and explorer widely credited with finding Lake Victoria and the source of the Nile. It is one of the quieter memorials in London's Royal Parks and makes an easy stop on a walk through the gardens. What is Speke's Monument? The memorial is a slender obelisk standing on three steps. Philip Hardwick designed it, and Sir Roderick Murchison, then president of the Royal Geographical Society, drove the project. Public subscription covered the cost. Historic England protects it as a Grade II listed structure, registered on 14 January 1970. Sources give different dates and descriptions. The listing text says 1864, while many guides cite 1866 as the year the obelisk was put up in the park. The stone is described as pink granite in the listing, and elsewhere as red granite or polished Aberdeen granite. Who was John Hanning Speke? In the 1850s Speke travelled into East Africa. He reached a vast lake that he named after Queen Victoria and argued that it fed the Nile. His claim sparked a bitter dispute with rival explorers. The inscription on the steps, "Victoria, Nyanza and the Nile", points to that link. The original monument does not say outright that Speke found the river's source. In 1995 the Friends of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens added a plaque in front of it that spells this out. What can you see there? The obelisk on three steps, with its dedication to Speke. The 1995 information plaque explaining the memorial. The surrounding gardens, with tree-lined paths and open lawns, lying directly west of Hyde Park. The monument is small, so a few minutes is enough. It works best as part of a longer stroll. How do you get to Speke's Monument? The obelisk stands near the junction of Lancaster Walk and Budges Walk, in the northern part of Kensington Gardens close to Lancaster Gate. It is roughly 400 metres on foot from the Round Pond. The simplest approach is to walk into the park from Lancaster Gate Underground station (Central line). Entry to Kensington Gardens is free, and the park opens at dawn and closes at dusk. When should you visit? The gardens are open all year. Spring and summer are the most pleasant, with green paths and long daylight. Mornings are calmer than weekend afternoons, when the park fills with locals and visitors. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? No. The obelisk stands in a public Royal Park, and Kensington Gardens is free to enter. How long does a visit take? Looking at the obelisk takes 5 to 10 minutes. Add the walk to the Round Pond or Kensington Palace and plan for about an hour. Who does the monument commemorate? John Hanning Speke, the British explorer credited with identifying Lake Victoria as the source of the Nile. Why are both 1864 and 1866 quoted? The official listing and the inscription give 1864, while other sources use 1866 for the erection of the monument in the park.

Enfield War Memorial

Londyn

Enfield War Memorial is the main war memorial of the London Borough of Enfield, a cenotaph standing in Chase Green Gardens at the junction of Windmill Hill and Chase Side, a short walk from Enfield Town centre. It is Grade II listed by Historic England and was unveiled on 30 October 1921. What will you see there? The monument is built of Portland stone. A tall, tapering pedestal rises from a stepped base and is topped by a sarcophagus. The design echoes Edwin Lutyens's Cenotaph in Whitehall, completed in 1919. The inscription reads "Our Glorious Dead" and carries the dates 1914–1919 and 1939–1945. It was first raised for Enfield men killed in the First World War, and names from the Second World War were added afterwards. The surrounding lawns belong to the Chase Green and Cenotaph Gardens, which makes this a pleasant place to pause during a walk through the town. What is its history? A local committee raised the funds after the First World War, and local accounts put the cost at around 909 pounds. Historic England added the memorial to the National Heritage List in 2003. The Imperial War Museum records it in its War Memorials Register as WM 17987 and is still expanding the list of names connected with it. Are there other memorials nearby? Yes. A plaque to the dead of both world wars hangs in the main post office on Church Street. In 2003 a separate memorial to those who served on the Arctic convoys of the Second World War was unveiled on Silver Street. All three can be visited in a single stroll around the town centre. How do you get there? From central London, take a train to Enfield Town, Enfield Chase or Gordon Hill. From Enfield Town station it is a short walk towards Chase Side. Local buses also serve the area. Entry is free and the gardens are open throughout the day. When should you visit? The memorial can be seen all year round. The most atmospheric moment is Remembrance Sunday, the second Sunday in November, when wreaths are laid and a two-minute silence is observed at the cenotaph. For a quieter visit, go on a weekday morning. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? No. The memorial stands in an open public garden. How long does a visit take? Around 15 to 20 minutes. Allow about an hour if you add the post office plaque and the Arctic convoys memorial. Who does it commemorate? Originally the people of Enfield who died in the First World War, with Second World War names added later. Is it a protected monument? Yes. Historic England lists it at Grade II.

Eltham War Memorial

Londyn

Eltham War Memorial in London stands beside St John the Baptist Church on Eltham High Street, in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. It honours local people killed in the First World War and, through later additions, the Second. Historic England gave it Grade II listed status in October 2017. Who designed it, and when was it unveiled? The memorial is the work of Sir Reginald Blomfield, the architect best known for his war cemetery designs. The local War Memorial Committee picked his Cross of Sacrifice, and it was unveiled in 1924. Names and inscriptions from the Second World War were added afterwards. The committee first looked at the crossroads at Well Hall Road. It dropped that idea because a tramway was planned there, and chose the site outside the parish church instead. Where exactly is it? You will find it in front of the church tower door, facing Eltham High Street, in the heart of old Eltham. It is an outdoor monument, so there is no entry fee and no opening hours. A visit fits easily into a walk around the neighbourhood. Why is it listed? Schoolchildren helped make it happen. Year 6 pupils from Eltham Church of England Primary School researched the lives of the men named on the memorial, checked its condition and prepared the listing application together with Historic England. A wreath-laying to mark the listing took place on 10 November 2017, attended by the leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the local MP. The council also agreed £9,000 to restore the memorial and re-inscribe names that had worn away. What else is nearby? The churchyard of St John the Baptist contains a separate Boer War memorial. Do not confuse the listed monument with the 1917 parishioners' memorial cross, which stands in the churchyard of Holy Trinity Church on Southend Crescent. That is a different monument in another part of Eltham. When is the best time to visit? Around 11 November. The borough holds a Remembrance parade, service and wreath-laying in Eltham each year, and the memorial becomes the focus of the day. At other times of year it is a quiet place to stop for a moment. Frequently asked questions Is there an admission charge? No. The memorial is outdoors beside the church and free to view. Who designed Eltham War Memorial? Sir Reginald Blomfield. His Cross of Sacrifice design was selected and unveiled in 1924. Is the memorial a listed monument? Yes. Historic England listed it at Grade II in 2017. Does it commemorate only the First World War? It was built for the First World War, and Second World War names and inscriptions were added later.

Basingstoke War Memorial

Basingstoke and Deane

Basingstoke War Memorial is a Grade II listed monument to the town's war dead, standing in a small square beside the Civic Offices in Basingstoke, Hampshire. It is a quiet, compact stop that fits easily into a walk through the town centre. What will you see? The memorial is a slender Portland stone pylon crowned by a tall bronze figure of Victory. Bronze panels on the pylon carry the names of local people killed in the two world wars. The sculptor was L. F. Roslyn, who worked on many British war memorials of the period. In total there are 337 names: 229 from the First World War and 108 from the Second. Reading through them gives a sense of how heavily the war fell on what was then a small market town. What is its history? The town acquired the memorial in 1923, and it was unveiled on 24 May 1923 by Major-General Seely, then Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire. It has remained in place since. In 2016 Historic England added it to the National Heritage List for England (entry 1435084) at Grade II. Is it the same as the War Memorial Park? No. The monument stands by the Civic Offices, not in the park. The War Memorial Park is a separate site, created after the First World War. In 1921 the town bought the Goldings estate for £4,500, using public subscriptions, and dedicated it to the fallen. The park keeps its 18th-century landscape and has held a Green Flag award for many years. Goldings house, close to the memorial, is also Grade II listed. How to plan a visit The memorial is in an open public square, so you can see it at any hour with no ticket. Allow 10 to 15 minutes. It pairs well with a walk to the War Memorial Park. November is a meaningful time to come: around Remembrance Sunday, wreaths of poppies are laid at memorials across Britain. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is the memorial? In a small square at the Civic Offices in Basingstoke, in the Eastrop area. Who designed it? The sculptor L. F. Roslyn. It is built of Portland stone with bronze details. How many names are on it? 337, made up of 229 from the First World War and 108 from the Second. Is there an entrance fee? No. The memorial stands in a public space and is free to visit.

Aldridge War Memorial

Aldridge

Aldridge War Memorial in Aldridge, Walsall (West Midlands, England) is a stone Celtic cross raised in 1919 to remember local people killed in the world wars. It is a protected monument: since 8 December 2014 it has stood on the National Heritage List for England at Grade II. What is the memorial? The centrepiece is a tall Celtic cross carved from stone, put up just after the First World War. The Bishop of Stafford dedicated it in 1919. The front inscription honours the men of Aldridge who gave their lives in the Great War, and names from the Second World War were added later, so the cross now serves as the town's shared place of remembrance for both conflicts. The names were originally set in lead lettering. The Imperial War Museums' War Memorials Register records that in 1979 the failing letters were replaced and the cross was cleaned. The register's latest condition note, from February 2018, rates it as fair. Why is it in a garden rather than by the church? The cross first stood in the churchyard of St Mary's in Aldridge. In 1956 it was moved to its present position and surrounded by a small flower garden. That layout survives today, with the cross standing in a tidy green space in the centre of the village. Who else is commemorated here? On the north-east side a separate freestanding stone carries a bronze plaque for Captain Charles George Bonner VC, an Aldridge man awarded the Victoria Cross for action against an enemy submarine in 1917. The listing text notes that this extra feature has no special architectural or historic interest of its own, though it matters to the local community. What should you know before visiting? The memorial is compact, so a visit takes only a few minutes. It pairs easily with a stroll around central Aldridge and a look at St Mary's church. It is a place of remembrance rather than a ticketed attraction. Keep voices low and stay off the flower beds. It is busiest around Remembrance Sunday in November, when local services are held at the cross and poppy wreaths are laid. It stands in a public space with no official opening hours; check Walsall Council's website for any access notices. Frequently asked questions Is Aldridge War Memorial a listed monument? Yes. Historic England listed it at Grade II in 2014. When was it built? The cross was erected in 1919 and dedicated the same year by the Bishop of Stafford. Has it always stood in the same spot? No. It began in St Mary's churchyard and was relocated to its current garden in 1956. Who was Charles George Bonner? A local man who won the Victoria Cross for action against a submarine in 1917. A plaque beside the cross honours him. Where can I find the official record? In the National Heritage List for England and in the War Memorials Register run by the Imperial War Museums.

Scarborough War Memorial

Scarborough

Scarborough War Memorial is a tall granite obelisk on the northern end of Oliver's Mount, the hill that rises above the seaside town of Scarborough in North Yorkshire. It is a conspicuous landmark, especially when seen across South Bay, and the open hilltop around it makes for an easy, quiet walk. What is the memorial? The obelisk stands on a square pedestal, which sits on a square earth mound. Eleven steps lead up to it. Historic England lists it at Grade II on the National Heritage List for England (entry 1242901, first listed in June 1973), describing a very tall granite obelisk raised after 1918 that stands out as a landmark above the bay. When was it built? The inscription records that the foundation stone was laid on 16 September 1922 and that the memorial was unveiled on 26 September 1923. It honours Scarborough people killed in the First World War, civilians among them. Further names were added later, and the monument was rededicated on 12 November 1950. Published descriptions mention 241 names from the Second World War and 70 from the Korean War. The Imperial War Museums' War Memorials Register also documents it (record 2767). What will you see? The obelisk itself, the name panels and the foundation inscriptions. Oliver's Mount is also a good viewpoint: on a clear day you can look over Scarborough, the bay and the North Sea coastline. It suits a short, reflective stop combined with a stroll on the hill. This is a place of remembrance, so keep noise down, particularly around Remembrance Sunday and 11 November. How do you get there? The memorial is at the north end of Oliver's Mount, south-west of Scarborough town centre (approx. 54.2681 N, 0.4053 W). You can drive up or walk from town, which involves a climb. Check current access and parking arrangements before you go, as the hill's roads can be restricted during events, including the motorcycle races held on Oliver's Mount. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? No. The memorial stands in open public space and can be visited freely. When was it unveiled? On 26 September 1923, a year after the foundation stone was laid on 16 September 1922. Is it a protected monument? Yes, it is Grade II listed on the National Heritage List for England. Whose names are recorded on it? Scarborough residents who died in the two world wars and the Korean War, along with civilian casualties. Is the climb worth it for the view? Yes. Oliver's Mount gives a wide panorama of the town and the bay, best on a clear day.

Hoylake and West Kirby War Memorial

West Kirby

Hoylake and West Kirby War Memorial crowns Grange Hill in West Kirby, on the Wirral peninsula in Merseyside. A four-sided granite obelisk roughly 14.5 metres (48 ft) high, it is visible from well beyond the hill and commemorates the people of West Kirby and neighbouring Hoylake who died in the two World Wars. Who designed it, and when was it unveiled? The sculptor Charles Sargeant Jagger (1885–1934) drew up the design. He is also remembered for the Royal Artillery Memorial at Hyde Park Corner in London. The memorial was unveiled on 16 December 1922. Names from the Second World War were added later, the Imperial War Museum records a further ceremony on 22 October 1949, and the name of a soldier killed in Afghanistan was added in October 2009. What will you see there? The slender obelisk is the centrepiece, and bronze figures on its faces represent war and peace. Inscribed names run around the base. The IWM register describes the setting as a hilltop of rough grass and scrub, so the monument stands in open ground and not among buildings. Take time to look at the lettering and sculpture up close. Some inscribed letters have suffered from weathering and vandalism (the register notes incidents in 1988 and 1995), which is why the memorial has needed conservation attention over the years. Is the memorial protected? Yes. It is entered on the National Heritage List for England, maintained by Historic England, with a listing date of 24 March 2011. In the IWM War Memorials Register it carries reference number 1273, and its condition is rated fair. How do you get to the memorial? West Kirby is the terminus of Merseyrail's Wirral Line, with regular trains from Liverpool. From the station it is about a kilometre to Grange Hill, with an uphill finish. By car, follow the A540 towards West Kirby and leave the car in the town, then walk up. Access is free: the memorial stands on open public land. When is the best time to visit? You can visit all year and at any hour. Clear days are best, because the hill looks across the Dee estuary towards the Welsh coast. Remembrance Sunday in November brings local commemorations to the memorial, which is the moment to choose if you want to see it in its intended role. What else is nearby? West Kirby is known for its Marine Lake promenade and for views of the Hilbre Islands, and the Wirral Way, a path along a former railway line, starts here. A walk up Grange Hill combines easily with a stroll along the shore. Frequently asked questions Who designed the West Kirby war memorial? Charles Sargeant Jagger, the British sculptor who also made the Royal Artillery Memorial in London. When was it unveiled? On 16 December 1922. How tall is the obelisk? About 14.5 metres, built in granite. Is there an entrance fee? No. The memorial stands on an open public hill and can be visited free of charge at any time.

Shenstone War Memorial

Lichfield

Shenstone War Memorial is a granite obelisk in the centre of the village of Shenstone, Staffordshire, a few miles south of Lichfield. It honours the people of the parish who died in the two world wars, and since 2014 it has been a Grade II listed structure on the National Heritage List for England. What is the memorial and who does it remember? The obelisk went up around 1919 to commemorate 24 local men killed in the First World War. It was formally unveiled on 7 January 1921. A newspaper report of the day described a grey obelisk of rough Aberdeen granite, placed prominently near the heart of the village and facing the railway station. After 1945 a second dedication was added for seven men and one woman from the area who died in the Second World War. What does it look like? The monument is a plain, tall obelisk, square in section and facing south-west. It rests on a single low step, with a two-step plinth above it and a pedestal that narrows towards a moulded cap. A slender shaft rises from the cap and ends in a pyramid. The stone is rock-faced granite, while the inscriptions are cast on bronze plaques. The First World War plaque sits on the pedestal and reads "Our Glorious Dead 1914-1919" above the names. A second plaque on the shaft carries the dates 1939-1945. On the south-west face a bronze laurel wreath stands out in relief. Why is it listed? Historic England added it to the List on 8 December 2014. The reasons given were its historic interest, as a witness to how the wars affected a local community, and its design, a well-executed granite obelisk of simple form. How do you get there? Shenstone lies in Lichfield District, close to the city of Lichfield. The village has its own railway station, and the memorial stands near the village centre, opposite it. From here you can walk to the church of St John the Baptist and other listed buildings along Main Street, Pinfold Hill and New Road. Drivers can reach the village from Lichfield or Birmingham. Is it free, and when should you visit? The memorial stands in a public space and can be viewed at any hour at no charge. Daylight is best for reading the names on the plaques. The atmosphere is especially moving around Remembrance Sunday and 11 November, when poppy wreaths are laid at war memorials across Britain. What else is nearby? Lichfield, a short distance away, is known for its three-spired cathedral and its own listed war memorial. The village stop combines easily with a walk around Shenstone or a half-day in Lichfield. Frequently asked questions Is the memorial a listed monument? Yes. It has held Grade II status since 8 December 2014. How many people does it commemorate? Twenty-four from the First World War, plus seven men and one woman from the Second World War. What is it made of? Rock-faced granite, with bronze plaques and a bronze laurel wreath. Do I need a ticket? No. It stands in public space and is accessible at all times.

Leverhulme Memorial

Port Sunlight

Leverhulme Memorial in Port Sunlight, on the Wirral peninsula in Merseyside, is a sculptural tribute unveiled in 1930 to the founder of this model village. It sits beside the Lady Lever Art Gallery and makes an easy first or last stop on a walk around the village. Who is the memorial for? It honours William Lever, 1st Viscount Leverhulme, the businessman behind the soap works and the housing built for its employees. The village and the factory grew together, so the monument reads as a summing-up of the whole project: houses, gardens and public buildings planned around the workforce. What does it look like? There are two elements. A tall obelisk clad in rectangular panels carries a female figure at the top, representing Inspiration, her face and hands lifted. Beside it stands a separate bronze group facing the gallery: a mother and child flanked by figures of Industry and Education, with Art placed behind them. James Lomax-Simpson designed the structure, and the sculptor was Sir William Reid Dick. It was unveiled on 13 September 1930. Is it a protected monument? Yes. It is listed at Grade II on the National Heritage List for England. Port Sunlight Village Trust, an independent charity set up by Unilever in 1999, looks after the village's monuments, parks and gardens. Where exactly is it? You will find it at the junction of Windy Bank and Queen Mary's Drive, just west of the Lady Lever Art Gallery. The gallery was designed by William and Segar Owen and opened at the end of 1922. Its collections include nineteenth-century British painting and sculpture, English furniture, Wedgwood jasperware and Chinese ceramics. How do I get there? The closest railway station is Bebington on the Merseyrail network. From central Liverpool it is a short train ride followed by a modest walk through the village. The memorial stands in the open, so you can view it at any time without a ticket. What else is nearby? Pair the visit with the art gallery and a stroll along the village streets. The Village Trust also runs Port Sunlight Museum, which includes a recreated workers' cottage and the SoapWorks exhibition. Frequently Asked Questions Who designed the Leverhulme Memorial? James Lomax-Simpson was the architect, and Sir William Reid Dick created the sculpture. When was it unveiled? In September 1930; the heritage listing gives the date as 1930. Is there an entry fee? No ticket is needed to see the memorial, which stands in the village's public space. Charges apply only to attractions such as the museum, so check prices with the operator. What does the figure on top of the obelisk represent? The woman with raised face and hands is an allegory of Inspiration.

Bust of Edward VII

Londyn

The Bust of Edward VII in London sits on a small green beside Mile End Road in the east of the city, in the borough of Tower Hamlets. A bronze head of the king rests on a pink marble plinth, and the monument is a Grade II listed structure. It is easy to walk past, yet it rewards anyone curious about East London's civic history. What is this monument? The bust portrays Edward VII, who reigned from 1901 to 1910. Freemasons of the Eastern District of London paid for it, and it was unveiled on 12 October 1911, after the king's death. Edward White, chairman of the London County Council, performed the ceremony and handed it over to Stepney Borough Council. A local firm, Harris and Son of Mile End Road, carried out the casting. The sculptor is not firmly established, so we leave the name out. Where exactly is it? You will find it on the north side of Mile End Road, on the grass in front of number 39, within the Stepney Green area. The coordinates are roughly 51.520 N, 0.054 W. Mile End Road is a major route running east out of the City, so the spot is well connected. How do I get there? The simplest option is the Underground to Stepney Green or Mile End (District, Hammersmith & City and Central lines). From either station it is a short walk along Mile End Road. Many bus routes also pass nearby. What else is nearby? Tower Hamlets is full of memorials and places tied to the working-class history of the East End. Pair the bust with a stroll around Stepney Green and the surrounding streets or the nearby parks. If you only stop at the monument, ten to fifteen minutes is plenty. When should I visit? The bust stands outdoors and can be seen at any hour, with no tickets. Daylight gives the best photos, and since London weather changes quickly, bring an umbrella. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. The monument is in a public space and free to view at any time. When was it erected? It was unveiled in October 1911, about a year and a half after Edward VII died. Is it the only Edward VII memorial in London? No, the capital has several memorials to him. This one stands on Mile End Road in Tower Hamlets. How long does a visit take? Ten to fifteen minutes for the bust itself, or around an hour with a short walk through the neighbourhood.

Bust of William Booth

Londyn

The Bust of William Booth in London sits on Mile End Road in the East End, in the borough of Tower Hamlets. The bronze head-and-shoulders portrait honours the founder of the Salvation Army, and it marks the district where his movement began. It is a Grade II listed monument, protected since 27 September 1973. What is the Bust of William Booth? The work is a bronze bust on a square white stone plinth with chamfered corners. It portrays William Booth (1829-1912), a Methodist preacher who began addressing London's poorest residents in the 1860s. That street mission grew into the Salvation Army, and Booth became its first General. What does the inscription say? The plinth calls Booth the founder and first General of the Salvation Army. It also records that he started the work on Mile End Waste in July 1865. Mile End Waste was a broad open stretch of road east of Whitechapel, where open-air meetings took place. The words turn the sculpture into a marker of a specific place and moment, not just a portrait. Where is it and how do you get there? You will find it on the north side of Mile End Road, at the point where Whitechapel Road becomes Mile End Road, close to the White Hart pub. The coordinates are roughly 51.520 N, 0.056 W. The easiest approach is on foot from Whitechapel station (District, Hammersmith & City and Elizabeth line) or from Stepney Green. Many bus routes also run along Mile End Road. What else is nearby? A short walk away stands a separate monument, the full-length statue of William Booth unveiled in 1979 for the 150th anniversary of his birth. It is a different work from the bust. Another listed piece nearby is the Grade II bust of Edward VII. Together they make a pleasant short walk through Victorian East End history along Whitechapel Road and Mile End Road. When should you visit? The bust stands on an open street, so you can see it at any hour and without a ticket. Daytime gives the best photographs, when light falls on the bronze from the road side. Allow 10 to 15 minutes, longer if you combine it with a stroll through the area. Frequently asked questions Is there an admission fee? No. The bust is on a public street and can be viewed free at any time. Is the bust the same as the Booth statue on Mile End Road? No. The bronze bust on a white plinth is a separate monument. The full-length statue dates from 1979 and stands a short distance away. Why does this spot matter to the Salvation Army? According to the plinth inscription, Booth began his work here in July 1865, the start of what became a worldwide organisation. Is the bust a protected monument? Yes. Historic England lists it at Grade II, a status it has held since 1973.

Statue of Horatio Nelson

Birmingham

The Statue of Horatio Nelson in Birmingham is a bronze figure of the admiral standing at the Bull Ring in the heart of the city. It is regarded as the first monument to Nelson in Britain and the first publicly funded statue in Birmingham. Do not confuse it with Nelson's Column on Trafalgar Square in London. What is this statue? The sculptor was Richard Westmacott, one of the leading British sculptors of the early 19th century. The work is dated 1809 and was paid for by public subscription; sources give the cost anywhere from about £2,400 to over £3,000. Nelson, killed at Trafalgar in 1805, is shown in uniform with the empty sleeve of his lost arm. Westmacott later produced a similar statue for Bridgetown in Barbados (1813). Historic England's entry describes the piece as unusual in design, small in scale and of excellent quality. It has been Grade II* listed since 25 April 1952. Where exactly is it? The statue stands on a raised terrace between the Bullring shopping centre and the Selfridges building, facing St Martin's Church. It originally stood near the old Cross and later outside the Market Hall. During the 1960s Bull Ring redevelopment it was moved, and its carved plinth, cannon and lamps were lost, leaving the figure on a plain new pedestal. After the redevelopment of 2000-2005 it returned to a spot close to its first site. How do I get there? The Bull Ring is in central Birmingham, a short walk from New Street and Moor Street stations, usually 5 to 10 minutes on foot. The statue is in a public space, open around the clock, with no ticket needed. How long should I allow, and when should I visit? Ten to fifteen minutes is enough to see the statue. Pair it with St Martin's Church, the Bull Ring markets and the surrounding shopping streets. Daylight is best for photographs, though the area stays lively in the evening thanks to its shops and restaurants. Frequently asked questions Is this the same monument as Nelson's Column in London? No. The London column stands on Trafalgar Square and dates from the 1840s. Birmingham's is a much older, small bronze statue. Is there an entry fee? No. It stands in the open and can be seen free at any time. Who made the statue? Sir Richard Westmacott, who also made works for sites in London and Barbados. Is it still in its original position? Almost. It was moved in the 20th century and, after the latest redevelopment, returned to the neighbourhood of its original site beside St Martin's Church.

Eleanor Cross, Sledmere

Sledmere

The Eleanor Cross in Sledmere is a Gothic Revival monument in the village of Sledmere, East Riding of Yorkshire. Raised in 1896–98 as a village cross, it copies the medieval Eleanor crosses, and after the First World War it was turned into a war memorial. Historic England lists it at Grade I, the highest level of protection. What is the Sledmere Eleanor Cross? The original Eleanor crosses were put up in the 13th century to mark the overnight stops of Queen Eleanor of Castile's funeral procession. Sledmere was never on that route, so this cross is a Victorian replica, modelled on the one at Hardingstone in Northamptonshire. It was commissioned by Sir Tatton Sykes, 5th Baronet, owner of the Sledmere estate, and designed by the architect Temple Moore, who also worked on the village church of St Mary. It is built of limestone, rising in tiers to a cross at the top. What will you see? The tall, richly carved structure stands on the western side of the village, beside the site of the old church pond and roughly 45 metres south-west of the gateway to St Mary's Church. Look for: the Gothic carving on each stage, in the style of the medieval Eleanor crosses, the engraved brasses added after 1918 for local men killed in the First World War, the portrait of Sir Mark Sykes, son of the founder, who died of influenza in 1919. The brasses changed the monument from a decorative village cross into a war memorial. Sources disagree slightly on the date of construction, giving either 1895 or 1896–98. How to visit and what else is nearby The cross stands in the open, in the village itself, so you can view it from outside at any time of day. A visit usually takes a quarter of an hour. Pair it with a walk to St Mary's Church, also by Temple Moore, and with Sledmere House, the Sykes family seat. The Sir Tatton Sykes Memorial Tower is a separate monument nearby and not part of this cross. Frequently asked questions Is this an original Eleanor Cross? No. It is a late 19th-century copy based on the 13th-century cross at Hardingstone. The originals were commissioned by King Edward I. Who designed the Sledmere cross? Temple Moore, working for Sir Tatton Sykes. Is it a war memorial? Yes. Brasses added after the First World War commemorate fallen local men and Sir Mark Sykes. What is its heritage status? Historic England lists it on the National Heritage List for England as Grade I (list entry 1039797).

Sir Tatton Sykes Memorial Tower

Sir Tatton Sykes Memorial Tower is a Gothic Revival landmark crowning Garton Hill above the village of Garton on the Wolds, in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Rising from the open chalk upland of the Yorkshire Wolds, it can be spotted from a long way off and has served as a navigation point for locals and travellers since the 1860s. Who is the tower for? The monument honours Sir Tatton Sykes, 4th Baronet of Sledmere, who died in March 1863. He was a major landowner whose family seat lay a short distance away at Sledmere. After his death a committee gathered voluntary subscriptions, and the tower was built for his son and namesake, the 5th Baronet. The foundation stone went down on 17 May 1865, and a plaque on the structure carries the same year. What does it look like? The architect was J. Gibbs of Oxford. The tower stands roughly 120 feet (about 36 metres) tall, with a nearly square plan, three stages and a profile that tapers into a spire. Its polychrome stonework gives it a striking, patterned face. A sculpted relief shows Sir Tatton on horseback, and an inscription remembers him as a friend and landlord to his tenants. The architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner remarked that its Gothic was of a kind no genuine medieval tower would have had, which is exactly the appeal for lovers of Victorian follies. What is its heritage status? The tower is on the National Heritage List for England (entry 1346480) as a Grade II listed building. It was listed on 20 September 1966 and the entry was last amended in 1987. Older records call it The Sykes Monument. How do you get there and what else is nearby? The tower stands beside the B1252 road at the northern edge of Garton on the Wolds parish, with a caretaker's cottage built opposite. It is a monument to admire from outside, so a short stop is enough. By car, the easiest approach is from Driffield or from the direction of Sledmere. Close by, the village church of St Michael and All Angels is Grade I listed and known for its richly painted interior. The surrounding countryside also suits walkers on the Yorkshire Wolds Way. When should you visit? Choose a clear day, when the hilltop offers wide views over the rolling Wolds and the light brings out the colours of the facade. Spring and summer give longer daylight for exploring the area, while winter weather can make the B1252 less pleasant to drive. Frequently asked questions Who built the Sir Tatton Sykes Memorial Tower? J. Gibbs of Oxford designed it. It was paid for by subscription and commissioned by the 5th Baronet in memory of his father. How tall is it? About 120 feet, or roughly 36 metres, tapering to a spire. Is it a listed building? Yes. It is Grade II listed on the National Heritage List for England, since 1966. Is it the same as the Eleanor Cross at Sledmere? No. The Eleanor Cross is a separate monument in Sledmere with its own history.

The Earl Of Yarborough's Monument

Bembridge

The Earl of Yarborough's Monument near Bembridge is a granite obelisk standing high on the chalk downs of the Isle of Wight's east coast. It is visible from a long way off against the sky and is one of the best-known landmarks on the hills above Sandown Bay. Who is the monument for? The obelisk honours Charles Anderson Pelham, Earl of Yarborough, who died in 1846. He founded the Royal Yacht Squadron at Cowes and served as its first commodore. Funds were raised by public subscription, and the monument was completed in 1849. It is a slim obelisk of vermiculated granite set on a tall plinth of dressed stone, with the Yarborough coat of arms carved on its north and south faces. Why is it on this hill? The monument originally stood a little further west on Bembridge Down. In 1867 it was moved to make room for Bembridge Down Fort, one of the Palmerston forts built to protect the Solent. It now stands on neighbouring Culver Down, which is the address given in the national register. It is a Grade II listed structure, entry number 1034326 in the National Heritage List for England. How do you get there? The obelisk stands on open downland with no gate or ticket office, but you reach it on foot. A convenient start is the National Trust car park at Bembridge Fort. From there the Trust's Circumnavigate Culver Down trail covers about 2.8 miles (4.5 km) and takes roughly 1.5 to 1.75 hours. It passes the monument; on the final stretch you turn left through a metal kissing gate just before the Culver Haven Inn. For a longer day out, a circular route from Bembridge of around 9.5 miles also takes in Bembridge Windmill, which the National Trust owns. The monument also lies on the Isle of Wight Coastal Path between Sandown and Ryde. What will you see? The obelisk itself is a striking skyline feature, and the surrounding downs offer wide views over the sea and the island's coast. The land is open to walkers, and dogs are welcome under the usual National Trust conditions. When should you visit? Pick a clear day, when visibility is good and the paths are dry. The ridge can be breezy, so bring an extra layer even in summer. Access is possible all year because the monument stands in open countryside. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. You can see the monument freely on open land. Any charge relates to parking. Can you go inside the obelisk? No. It is a solid stone structure viewed from outside. How long should you allow? Looking at the monument takes about 15 minutes, while the full National Trust loop takes around an hour and a half. Is it on Bembridge Down or Culver Down? It first stood on Bembridge Down and has been on Culver Down since 1867. The two hills adjoin each other, and the village of Bembridge lies close by.

War Memorial at Junction with Broomfield Lane

Trafford

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.

Statue of William Booth

Londyn

The Statue of William Booth in London stands on Mile End Road in the East End, within the borough of Tower Hamlets. It honours the founder of the Salvation Army, who launched his mission in this very neighbourhood. Who was William Booth, and why is the statue here? William Booth (1829–1912) was a Methodist preacher. In July 1865 he began holding open-air meetings on Mile End Waste, a broad strip of land beside what is now Mile End Road, speaking to the poorest residents of the East End. That mission grew into the organisation later named the Salvation Army, now active in many countries. The monument therefore marks a starting point rather than an arbitrary spot. What will you see? A bronze figure of Booth on a stone plinth overlooks the busy road. It is a replica of the 1929 sculpture by George Edward Wade that stands outside the old Salvation Army training college at Denmark Hill in south London. The Mile End copy was unveiled in 1979 and paid for by Salvation Army women in the United States. A statue of his wife and co-founder Catherine Booth, unveiled in 2015, stands nearby, so the pair makes a compact, free mini-trail through the movement's origins. Close by, a plaque in front of the Tower Hamlets Mission records the first preaching of 1865. How do you get there? The statue sits on Mile End Road between Whitechapel and Mile End. The easiest approach is by Tube: Whitechapel (District, Hammersmith & City and Elizabeth line) and Stepney Green are both a short walk away, and many buses run along Mile End Road. Coordinates are roughly 51.520 N, 0.054 W. How long do you need, and when should you go? The monument is in the open beside the pavement, so you can visit at any hour and it costs nothing. Allow about fifteen minutes to take photos and read the inscription. It fits well into an East End walk, with Whitechapel, Brick Lane and the Queen Mary University of London campus, home to the former People's Palace, all nearby. Daylight gives the best photographs, and early weekend mornings are the quietest on Mile End Road. Frequently asked questions Is there an admission fee? No. The statue stands beside a public street and can be seen at any time. Who made the sculpture? The 1929 original is by George Edward Wade. The Mile End Road statue is a 1979 replica. Is there a statue of Catherine Booth nearby? Yes. A statue of William's wife, unveiled in 2015, stands in the same area of Mile End Road. Where is the original sculpture? The 1929 original is at the former Salvation Army training college on Denmark Hill, south London.