War Memorial

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A free-standing ashlar granite obelisk erected in 1924 as a memorial to those of the Kilrea district who served and died in the First World War. Standing 7.25 metres high and located at the centre of Kilrea’s historic ‘Diamond’, the monument was constructed over a previous water pump (c.1838), part of which is incorporated into the base of the memorial.

Square-plan granite die with each elevation aligned along the four primary streets radiating from Kilrea’s central diamond and enriched with the names of those who served from the local area, in carved lettering, painted black. North and south elevations have a trapezoidal-shaped recess above a curved projection. East and west elevations contain a similar recess extending to ground, behind which are the remains of the original iron water pump; inscribed ‘Rowley, London 1838’. Each face is surmounted by a triangular pediment having a central wreath moulding; a central four-sided obelisk with a pyramidal cap, rises above, on a stepped base. The memorial is executed in smooth ashlar granite.

Setting
Located in an urban
setting at the centre of the ‘Diamond’ in Kilrea; at the junction of four primary streets, the monument is now surrounded by a busy roundabout. Enclosed by modern decorative metal railing and cast-iron posts, the ground is paved with planting and signage to the perimeter and two wooden benches. Neighbouring historic structures within the diamond include the Mercers’ Hotel (HB03/01/005) and the telephone kiosk (HB03/01/028); the monument is aligned to St Patrick’s Church (HB03/01/001) located a short distance to the south.

Roof: None
RWG: None
Walling: Ashlar granite
Windows: None

Historical information

The War Memorial, which comprises an obelisk of Newry granite, was erected in 1924 to commemorate those who died and served in the ‘Great War’ of 1914-18. The ‘War Memorial’ is first captioned on the second edition OS map (1925). Built to the designs of the architect Samuel McFadden, the contract of £722 was undertaken by John Robinson & Son of Belfast (DIA). Located at the centre of the historic ‘Diamond’ in Kilrea town, the monument was constructed on the site of a previous public water pump.

According to Topographical Dictionary of Ireland (1837), a pump and cistern were installed in the south east corner of the square in 1829, as illustrated on the first edition OS map (1830). This pump was noted to be 54ft deep and the expense of £90 was met by the inhabitants of Kilrea (OS Memoirs). In 1838 the original pump had been replaced with a cast iron structure located at the centre of The Diamond (Curl).

As the main public water supply at the centre of the town, the pump became a place of competition between rival political parties. In an effort to unite the town, the memorial was erected over and around the historic pump; part of which has been retained at the base of the structure.

The memorial has been adapted to commemorate those who served and died in both World Wars and the stonework and lettering have been recently restored, with omitted names added to the inscription.

Resources

Primary Sources

1. PRONI OS/6/5/27/1 – First Edition Ordnance Survey map, six-inch series (1830)
2. PRONI OS/6/5/27/2 – Second Edition Ordnance Survey map, six-inch series (1853)
3. PRONI OS/10/5/27/5/1 – First Edition Ordnance Survey County map, 10 series (1905)
4. PRONI OS/10/5/27/5/2 – Second Edition Ordnance Survey County map 10 series (1925)
5. PRONI OS/6/5/27/4 – Fourth Edition Ordnance Survey map, six-inch series (1925-33)

Secondary Sources

1. ‘Ordnance Survey Memoirs; The Parishes of Co. Londonderry, VIII [Vol. 27] - Desertoghill, Errigal, Killelagh and Kilrea, 1830-39’ Institute of Irish Studies, Queen’s University, Belfast (1994)
2. Lewis, Samuel ‘A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland’ S. Lewis & Co, London (1837)
3. Ulster War Memorials (http://www.ulsterwarmemorials.net)
4. Dictionary of Irish Architects (http://www.dia.ie/)
5. 3. Curl, James.S. ‘The Londonderry Plantation 1609-1914’ Phillimore & Co, Chichester (1986)

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
D. Plan Form
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

R. Age
S. Authenticity
U. Historic Associations
V. Authorship
X. Local Interest
Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance

Evaluation

A free-standing granite War Memorial constructed in 1924 to commemorate the local people who fought and served in the First World War. It occupies a prominent position in the centre of the Diamond in Kilrea at the convergence of four primary streets. Comprising a four-sided obelisk with a stepped base, supported on a square column which is inscribed with names of those who served in black lettering. The monument is constructed around an original public water pump (1838), the remains of which can still be seen in recessed openings at the base. An important local landmark, the War Memorial is an element of architectural distinction in the area and is of significant local interest and social importance to the surrounding community.

General comments

Additional listing criteria apply- R-Age, S- Authenticity, U- Historic Associations.