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    © Imperial War Museums 2026

    Memorial

    Men of Hexham

    Dec 19 Full memorial frontal view

    Source: Copyright Lisa Jennings

    1/14

    Current Location

    Town Park is adjacent to Hexham Abbey, Town Park, Beaumont Street, Hexham, Tynedale, Northumberland, NE46 3LZ, England

    OS Grid Reference

    NY 93471 64005

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    © WMR-34059

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    Type of Memorial
    Cross
    WMR Reference Number
    34059
    Description
    This is of the style of a CWGC Cross of Sacrifice, but was adapted to also be the principal war memorial of the town. Cross based on Blomfield type. Four octagonal steps of various depths and diminishing width are surmounted by a tall octagonal plinth, the whole base being about 2.43m (8 feet) high. This is topped by plain cross about 2.13m (7 feet) high, with a bronze sword mounted on the east face, the whole being 4.57m (15 feet) high. The names are carved into the stone on all eight sides of the top three parts below the cross, and are painted black. All lettering is in incised Roman capitals throughout. Old photos show that it was originally surrounded by a circle of small stones enclosing a paved area.
    Inscription
    On centre face, middle step: Here are inscribed / names which bid us / by service our / debt repay. On centre face, lower step: This cross and S. Wilfrid's / War Memorial Hospital / are dedicated to the / glorious memory of the / men of Hexham who laid / down their lives in the / Great Wars 1914-1918 / 1939-1945.
    War
    First World War (1914-1918)
    Number Commemorated
    232
    Died
    232
    Information shown
    surname,rank,regiment, initials of forenames, decorations
    Order of names
    regiment THEN rank THEN surname
    War
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Number Commemorated
    92
    Died
    92
    Information shown
    surname,rank,regiment, initials of forenames, decorations
    Order of names
    surname
    War
    First World War - civilians
    Number Commemorated
    1
    Died
    1
    Information shown
    surname, initials of forenames, service
    War
    Second World War - civilians
    Number Commemorated
    3
    Died
    3
    Information shown
    surname,rank,regiment, initials of forenames
    Order of names
    surname
    Maker(s)
    • Sir Reginald Blomfield RA, Designer

    • WILLIAM CRESSWELL, Artist

    Sponsor Type
    public
    Maintenance History
    CLEANED AND RE-CUT IN 1988

    Ceremonies

    Unveiled

    29 September 1921

    His Royal Highness THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER

    Dedicated

    29 September 1921

    The Rector, Rev. J.V.C. Farquhar .

    Custodian
    Hexham Town Council

    Components

    Cross

    Height: 15FT


    Made from: Stone - Portland


    Condition: Good


    Historic England

    Grade: II

    List Entry: 1204219

    • Hexham Courant 14 February 1920 gives details of fund raising so far; Saturday, 1 October 1921 gives full report of the unveiling ceremony; (date unknown) gives an account of William Cresswell and the memorial at Kohima.
    • http://www.newmp.org.uk/detail.php?contentId=7593
    • Alan Grint has researched the names on the Hexham memorials in his book The Faith and Fire Within, 2006, Ergo Press ISBN 0955275814
    • Newcastle Central Library photographs c1935, 1954.
    • Morpeth County Library Frith collection of photographs; Postcard collection contains photograph of unveiling;
    • The NEWP project have access to Peace Celebrations leaflet appointing Committees to organise events and raise funds for the memorials; photocopies of assorted programmes of services in Hexham Abbey Thanksgiving for Cessation of Hostilities 17/11/1918; "Welcome Home" Service of Thanksgiving 27/4/1919; Special Memorial Service for all who have fallen during the War (24th Oct, year not stated)