Summary

First World War memorial, 1920.

Description

First World War memorial, 1920.

MATERIALS: sandstone from Shank quarry.

DESCRIPTION: Hayton War Memorial is located in the churchyard of St Mary Magdalen Church, Hayton, Cumbria. It is prominently situated close to the churchyard walls. It comprises a wheel-head sandstone cross on a tall, bowed shaft, with a sloping low base. The cross head and the upper half of the shaft are decorated with strap work carving. The lower half of the shaft bears the inscription in relief-carved lettering.

The inscription reads: IN EVER LIVING/ REMEMBRANCE OF/ (NAMES)/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES/ IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914 – 1918/ "SO THEY PASSED OVER/ AND ALL THE TRUMPETS/ SOUNDED FOR THEM/ ON THE OTHER SIDE."

History

The aftermath of the First World War saw the biggest single wave of public commemoration ever with tens of thousands of memorials erected across England. This was the result of both the huge impact on communities of the loss of three quarters of a million British lives, and also the official policy of not repatriating the dead which meant that the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss. One such memorial was raised at Hayton as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.

Hayton War Memorial was situated within the churchyard. The memorial commemorates 17 local servicemen who fell in the First World War. A roll of honour in the church suggests that 59 men had served.

The memorial was designed by Carlisle-based architect, J W Benwell and made by Messrs J and R Bell of Nelson Street, Carlisle. A faculty was granted for the memorial’s erection in June 1920. The memorial was unveiled and dedicated 14 November 1920 by Archdeacon Campbell, Diocesan Chancellor.

Reasons for Listing

Hayton War Memorial, which is situated in St Mary Magdalen Churchyard, Hayton, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:

Historic interest:

* as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on this local community, and the sacrifices it has made in the conflicts of the C20.

Architectural interest:

* as a well-executed sandstone Celtic cross with carved decorative details.

Group value:

* with the Grade II*-listed Church of St Mary Magdalen and the Grade II-listed Churchyard Railings, Wall, Gates and Gatepiers, west of the Church, the Grade II-listed Hayton School and Grade II-listed Norman House.

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q66479794

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

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