High Spen War Memorial

HER Number:
10948

District:
Gateshead

Site Name:
High Spen War Memorial

Place:
High Spen

Map Sheet:
NZ15NW

Class:
Commemorative

Site Type: Broad:
Commemorative Monument

Site Type: Specific:
War Memorial

General Period:
20TH CENTURY

Specific Period:
Early 20th Century 1901 to 1932

Form of Evidence:
Structure

Description:
The High Spen War Memorial was listed Grade II in 2016 with the following description: The memorial was unveiled on 19 July 1920 by F Priestman and dedicated by Bishop Welldon, in commemoration of 91 local servicemen who died in the First World War and one who died in 1920, presumably of the effects of wounds. The memorial cost £340, raised by public subscription, and was provided by RB Aves of Newcastle. Following the Second World War the details of 35 men who died in that conflict were added. The name of a soldier who died in Afghanistan in 2007 has also been added. Details The memorial stands in the churchyard of St Patrick’s Church (not listed), in the driveway off Lintzford Lane. The light grey granite memorial, c4.5m tall, takes the form of a wheel-head cross standing on a tall pedestal, square on plan. A sheathed sword, carved in low relief, appears hung from its belt on the front of the wheel-head. The pedestal stands on a stepped base. The monument is surrounded by a square kerbed enclosure with low pyramidal pillars at each corner. Each face of the pedestal is divided into two recessed panels, containing dark stone plaques. First World War names are recorded in each upper panel, with Second World War names in the lower panels. The principal dedicatory inscription is found in the upper panel on the front face, reading BY THE LONG ROAD THEY TROD/ WITH SO MUCH FAITH AND WITH/ SUCH SELF-SACRIFICING BRAVERY/ WE HAVE ARRIVED AT VICTORY/ AND TODAY THEY HAVE THEIR REWARD (NAMES). The details of the soldier who died in 2007 are incised into the kerb, at the front of the memorial. NB The HER has recorded a slightly different dedication text: "BY THE LONG ROAD THEY TROD WITH SO MUCH FAITH AND WITH SUCH SELF-SACRIFICING BRAVERY WE HAVE ARRIVED AT VICTORY AND TODAY THEY HAVE THEIR REWARD THEY DIED THAT WE MIGHT LIVE 1939-1945 COMMISSIONED BY MINERS OF SPEN AND VICTORIA COLLIERIES AND BRITISH LEGION, HIGH SPEN BRANCH".

Easting:
414516

Northing:
558660

Grid Reference:
NZ414516558660

Lats/Lons:

Sources:
Ian Ayris, Peter Jubb, Steve Palmer and Paul Usherwood, 1996, A Guide to the Public Monuments and Sculpture of Tyne and Wear, p 64; North East War Memorials Project (www.newmp.org.uk) H106.02; Hexham Courant 27th July 1920; Sunderland Echo 19th July 1920; https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1438098