The memorial was listed for the following principal reasons:
• Historic Interest — as an eloquent reminder of the profound impact of global events on this local community, and of the sacrifices made during the conflicts of the twentieth century.
• Architectural Interest — as a simple yet well-crafted memorial formed from granite, sandstone and bronze, centred on a natural boulder.
• Group Value — for its close visual and historic relationship with several nearby designated buildings, including the Grade II* listed Church of St Giles, and the Grade II listed Old Rectory and Cross House Farm.
History
Erected in 1920, the memorial serves as a permanent tribute to members of the local community who died during the First World War. Those commemorated are: Lieutenant Richard Parker Gilbanks BA (Trinity College, Oxford), Private George William Dalzell, Private Thomas Gilbertson, Private Joseph Gilbertson, Private George Norman, Private William Barnes, Private Thomas William Pattinson and Private Robert Varty.
Situated within the churchyard, the memorial honours nine servicemen in total. A faculty for its erection was granted in May 1920, and it was unveiled and dedicated on 30 May 1920 by the rector, the Reverend Canon W. P. Gillbanks, together with the Bishop of Barrow‑in‑Furness. The principal boulder was reportedly discovered by the rector in a field at Flatt. Contemporary accounts of the unveiling also note the presence of the surrounding shell cases and chains.
Description
Prominently placed near the churchyard entrance, the memorial consists of a roughly teardrop‑shaped granite boulder with its front face smoothed to accommodate a bronze plaque, and with a bronze cross fixed at its apex. The boulder stands on a two‑tier square sandstone base constructed of dressed stone blocks. Four black-painted shell cases, set on the upper step, form posts for the chain that encloses the monument.
The bronze plaque bears the names of the fallen, together with the crest of the Border Regiment. Its inscription opens with the dates: “4th AUG 1914 – 11th NOV 1918…”
