ROCHDALE CENOTAPH WAR MEMORIAL

World War 1 - Detailed information
Compiled and copyright © Martin Edwards 2012

The Rochdale Cenotaph is to be found in the memorial gardens on Town Hall Esplanade, Rochdale. It takes the form of a Cornish granite cenotaph surmounting nine broad steps. The whole memorial is surmounted by a sarcophagus upon which is laid to rest a recumbent figure of a fighting man. A stone of remembrance stands to the south front of the cenotaph with an inscription. There are two carved painted flags on each flank side with gilt bronze poles and crowns depicting the union jack, white ensign, red ensign and blue ensign. Two carved laurel wreaths sit at the base of the sarcophagus encircling the Rochdale coat of arms. The memroial was unveiled by the 17th Early of Derby and dedicated by the Archdeacon of Sale 26 November 1922. The memroial was sponsored by public subscription and the site cost £12,611; the architect was Sir Edwin Lutyens and the builder Hobson of Nottingham. The memorial and the surrounding area are now listed structures.

From an old postcard

THEY WERE A WALL UNTO US BOTH BY NIGHT AND BY DAY
1 SAMUEL XXV., 16
TO THE MEMORY OF THE MEN OF ROCHDALE WHO GAVE
THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR
1914
1919
THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE

Last updated 26 April, 2012