Barras Bridge, The Response

War memorial. 1923. Signed Sir W Goscombe John RA on plinth. Pale pink granite with bronze figures. Steps and rusticated plinth to long screen with raised centre containing long group of life-size figures of soldiers marching, with women and children bidding farewell; angel with trumpet above heads of leading men: founders' name at side: A.B. Burton, Thames Ditton. Rear has carvings of soldiers in 17th century and 19th century dress and dates 1674 and 1919; inscription commemorating raising battalions of the Northumberland Fusiliers by the Newcastle and Gateshead Chambers of Commerce. Large bronze sculpture depicting the response to the call to arms. The memorial was commissioned and paid for by Sir George and Lady Renwick. According to the Association of Northumberland Local History Societies 1988-91 survey of war memorials, the monument was raised to commemorate three events - the raising of the Commercial Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers; the return of the five Renwick sons from the war; and Sir George Renwick's attainment of 50 years of commercial life on Newcastle Quayside. LISTED GRADE 1