Bolton Cenotaph

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Bolton Cenotaph
Bolton War Memorial, Victoria Square (2).JPG
Bolton Cenotaph in 2013
Greater Manchester UK location map 2.svg
Red pog.svg
Location within Greater Manchester
General information
Architectural style Neoclassical
LocationVictoria Square, Bolton, Greater Manchester, England
Coordinates 53°34′42″N2°25′47″W / 53.57836°N 2.42959°W / 53.57836; -2.42959
Year built1928
Technical details
Material Kemnay granite
Design and construction
Architect A. J. Hope
Other designers Walter Marsden
(1933 bronze sculptures)
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official nameBolton Cenotaph
Designated30 April 1999
Reference no. 1388289

Bolton Cenotaph is a First World War memorial in Victoria Square, Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. It serves as the principal monument commemorating the men and women of Bolton who lost their lives during the war and subsequent conflicts, and it is designated as a Grade II* listed building.

Contents

History

The cenotaph was commissioned by the County Borough of Bolton and unveiled on 14 July 1928 as a tribute to those who died in the First World War. [1] Additional inscriptions were added after the Second World War to honour those who died between 1939 and 1945. The memorial remains the focal point of Bolton's annual Remembrance Day ceremonies and other civic commemorations. [2]

On 30 April 1999, Bolton Cenotaph was designated a Grade II* listed building for its architectural and historic significance. [3]

In 2023 Bolton Council restored its floodlighting to ensure the monument could be fully illuminated at night for the first time in years. [2]

Design and construction

The cenotaph was designed by A. J. Hope, a prominent local architect, and constructed from Kemnay granite. [3] It features a tall pylon in the Neoclassical style, penetrated by an arch that frames a bronze cross overlaid with an inverted crusader's sword. The structure stands on a moulded base with inset steps and is flanked by two projecting pedestals. [1]

In 1933 bronze sculptures by Walter Marsden were added to either side of the arch. [3] These allegorical figures represent themes of peace and war:

The bronze work was cast by A. B. Burton of Thames Ditton, a noted art founder. [3]

Bolton Cenotaph occupies a prominent position in Victoria Square, directly opposite the Grade II* listed town hall. [4]

Inscriptions

The cenotaph bears several inscriptions: [1]

Dates for both World Wars (1914–1919 and 1939–1945) are also inscribed. [5]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Bolton Cenotaph". British Listed Buildings. Retrieved 14 November 2025.
  2. 1 2 "Shining a light on Bolton's war heroes". Bolton Council. 8 December 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Historic England. "Bolton Cenotaph (Grade II*) (1388289)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 14 November 2025.
  4. ↑ Historic England. "Town Hall (Grade II*) (1388295)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 14 November 2025.
  5. ↑ "Bolton". War Memorials Register. Imperial War Museums. Retrieved 14 November 2025.
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