Description

Alexander Murdoch, 1922. Sandstone WWI War Memorial prominently sited on open coastal ground between Cellardyke and Kilrenny.

MEMORIAL: triple-stepped base giving way to 3-sided 2-stage section. Lower stage with 3 panels in low relief depicting sailor, soldier and wreath with crossed swords; upper stage with 3 panels naming fallen and dedicatory panel, "ERECTED IN PROUD AND REVERENT MEMORY OF THOSE CONNECTED WITH THE PARISH OF KILRENNY WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 1918".

Stages divided by large scrolled angle buttresses supporting lions holding shields depicting Kilrenny Burgh Coat of Arms, plough and steam drifter. Monument surmounted by tall Composite column with polished granite ball finial.

Statement of Interest

Unveiled on 12 March 1922, Kilrenny War Memorial is an important piece of sculpture notable for its unusual form and exceptional carving. It is also distinguished by its remote location which gives it a distinctive landscape prominence. It forms a significant part of the social history of the area.

The carved panels and lions with shields are of good quality and firmly anchor the Memorial to its locality. The lions hold shields depicting the Kilrenny Burgh Coat of Arms and also a plough and steam drifter to represent the local fishing and farming communities. War Memorials are more commonly found in places of worship or in central civic locations and the remoteness of this example, located between the two communities it represents, sets it apart and gives it an unusual landscape presence.

Alexander Murdoch was a local architectural and monumental sculptor who worked from Abbotshall Road, Kirkcaldy.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17804152

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.

Recommended Books

• 
  Yorkshire: York and the East Riding (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Lancashire: Liverpool and the South-West (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Gwent/Monmouthshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Wales)
• 
  Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover
• 
  Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990: Updated version
• 
  Somerset: South and West (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)