History
Discussions about creating a war memorial in Bury began shortly after the end of the First World War. The town's principal commemorative initiative was the establishment of a children's wing at Bury Infirmary, a scheme that attracted widespread support and aimed to raise more than £50,000. [1] The proposal to erect a monument initially received less enthusiasm than the hospital project, partly because other memorials were already appearing locally, such as the one outside the Lancashire Fusiliers' headquarters at Wellington Barracks. However, an anonymous donor resolved any hesitation by contributing £1,000 on the condition that the memorial be sited in the Market Place. [1]
The land for the memorial was donated by the Parish Church of St Mary, which contains many memorials to the Lancashire Fusiliers, at the corner of its grounds. [2]
The memorial was commissioned by the Bury War Memorial Committee and was unveiled on 11 November 1924 by the Earl of Derby at a ceremony also attended by the Lord Bishop of Hulme. [3] After the Second World War, additional inscriptions were added to commemorate those who lost their lives between 1939 and 1945. [2]
On 7 April 2017, Bury War Memorial was designated a Grade II* listed building for its architectural and historic significance. [1]
Design and architecture
The memorial was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield, a renowned architect responsible for many war memorials, and sculpted by Joseph Hermon Cawthra. [1] At its centre stands a Cross of Sacrifice carved from Portland stone, rising from an octagonal pedestal. Behind the cross is a curved stone wall that bears two large bronze relief panels, each with symbolic detail. [2]
The left panel depicts members of the armed forces alongside a nurse, with soldiers carrying a stretcher, representing the front-line sacrifices of war. In contrast, the right panel illustrates the Home front, showing figures engaged in coal mining, engineering, carpentry, and munitions work, highlighting the vital civilian contribution to the war effort. [1]
Inscriptions on the memorial include the Latin phrases "PRO REGE" and "PRO PATRIA" at the ends of the wall, meaning "For the King" and "For the Country." The central dedication reads: "TO THE MEMORY OF THE MEN OF BURY WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR 1914–1918", later supplemented with "1939–1945" to honour those who died during the Second World War. [2]
The bronze panels were exhibited at the Royal Academy before installation, underscoring their artistic significance and craftsmanship. [1]
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