- Type of Memorial
- Obelisk
- WMR Reference Number
- 2207
- Description
- The memorial is set within a formal garden surrounded by a low wall and railings, and is in the middle of a central raised section approached by four wide steps from the pavement. The section is surrounded by a low wall at the corners of which there are art-deco wrought iron lamp stands holding glass light globes.
The central feature of the memorial is a Darley Stone obelisk set upon a square plinth which carries cast bronze plaques carrying the names. The WW1 names are on four large plaques, one on each face, with the names going alphabetically anti-clockwise from the 6 o'clock position. The WW1 dedication is on a cast bronze shield on the rear of the obelisk, at the 12 o'clock position, and is surmounted by the town's Arms. The WW2 names are inscribed on four tall rectangular plaques set around the first of the WW1 plaques on the 6 o'clock face of the plinth. A small cast plate carrying a WW2 addendum is attached to the top step in front of this.
Above the plinth, and set against the sides of the obelisk are three large cast bronze sculptures symbolic of Victory, Liberty, and Peace. Victory, on the 6 o'clock face, holds the laurel wreath of triumph aloft in her left hand, while her right hand reaches back to grasp the hand of Liberty on the 9 o'clock face, who stretches forward with the torch of freedom in her right hand. Peace is on the 3 o'clock face, quietly seated and listening to the message of the Dove of Peace, perched on her shoulders, with roses of rememberance gathered in her lap, emblems of the gathered souls of the departed heroes. A bronze sword of sacrifice, with a laurel wreath at the crossing, is set on the 6 o'clock face of the obelisk.
Besides the abutments of the approach steps the VC plaque for Private James Hutchinson has been installed on the front wall. The paved and lawned areas of the garden to the left and right of the central feature are equipped with benches.
- Inscription
- On the dedication plaque, 12 o'clock face: To our/ glorious/ dead/ 1914-1918
Above the WW1 plaques on the four faces: Names of the fallen/ (Names)
Above the WW2 plaques around the 6 o'clock WW1 plaque: 1939-45/ (Names)
Addendum plaque, 6 o'clock step: In loving memory of/ Able Seaman Frank Seymour/ Died 1-11-1944 Aged 19