War Memorial

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A ashlar granite war memorial on the river side of Bank Parade, just to the front of the Town Hall. Comprises a chamfered basal block surmounted by three slightly tapering blocks and topped by two smaller instepping blocks, reminiscent in its austerity of Lutyen’s Cenotaph at Whitehall

Base inscribed “1914-1918/ 1939-1945” at front. All four faces of the third block from the bottom are inscribed “To our glorious/ dead”, and the block above has a carved wreath interwoven with ribbon, also on all four faces.

Rests on a two-step granite plinth and enclosed by a modern steel railing with small ball finials to the uprights.

Historical information

The Newry War Memorial Committee was set up in 1930 under the auspices of the British Legion. Money was raised through public subscription over the next decade. Designed by Major G.W. Reside and originally sited in the middle of the main road at the Northern Bank, Trevor Hill. Seemingly erected in 1939. Moved to its present position in late 1960s to facilitate road widening in connection with dual carriageway along North St. Railings erected around it in 1993.

Secondary Sources:
1. HMBB survey notes, 12-11-1969.
2. Royal British Legion, Newry Branch (n.d.), ‘A short history of the Newry War Memorial’.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

A well proportioned and carefully executed memorial to the victims of both world wars, and an important local landmark