War Memorial

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A tapering granite obelisk erected in 1955 at south end of Church Square. Built in dressed Mourne granite blockwork on a two staged plinth. Enclosed by low tapering granite posts between which chains are hung.

S elevation (to St John’s Church of Ireland.) has, inset at bottom, a polished granite plaque engraved with the names of those who fell in 1939-45 war. There is a modern (replacement) circular metal clock face near the top with gold Roman numerals.

Narrower left and right cheeks are blank but for a small metal access plate (for clock mechanism) at top left.

N elevation is identical to that of the south, except the engraved names on the granite plaque are dedicated to those who fell in 1914-1918 war. Above, again, is a modern clock face.

A later addition has been applied to the plinth on its S face in the form of a polished granite block inscribed: “Erected /1998 / In remembrance of / Those members and ex-members of security forces / from Rathfriland and District / who served in the Northern Ireland conflict / and made the supreme sacrifice / Lest we forget / Dedicated 31st May 1998.”

The small area around the base is asphalt and inset with four modern spotlights.

Historical information

The ground was presented to the Royal British Legion by Major Meade (local landowner) “in perpetuity and for no purpose other than the erection of a war memorial and a clock.” It was designed by a Major Gordon and erected by Robinson’s of Annalong with pink granite from Clanawillian.

Its £1,100 cost was raised by public subscription. Unveiled on August 10th 1955. The 1980 photograph shows the original clock face to be individual letters applied to the granite.

Secondary Source:

1.W.H. Carson, “Historic Clocks of Down: The Rathfriland War Memorial Clock” Mourne Observer, Newcastle 1980.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

This memorial of local stone forms a focal point at the S end of Church Square. Of local historical and social interest.