Building record 5494 - War Memorial, Ryleys Lane Alderley Edge

Designed by Sir Hubert Worthington, the memorial is roughly semi-circular in shape and opens face to the road. In the centre is an octagonal plinth, surmounted by a column, on top of which is an angel with a sword, under a sculpted canopy. The memorial was unveiled in 1921 and publicly handed over to the people of Alderley Edge by Colonel W. Bromley Davenport. It contains the names of all those from Alderley Edge who fell in the First & Second World Wars (1).

The memorial comprises a tapering octagonal column surmounted by a canopied and buttressed lantern, which incorporates a small carved winged figure of St Michael holding a sword. The rear face of the lantern is a carved cross. The column is set upon an octagonal base and a stepped octagonal plinth. The base incorporates a stylised inscription to the front face, which reads: To our Glorious Dead 1914-1918 1939-1945.

The memorial is surrounded by stone-flag paving and is enclosed to three sides by a low wall with styling reminiscent of a battlement. Bronze plaques record the name, rank and regiment of those killed; the four plaques to the two larger piers record the 72 names of those lost during WWI, whilst the plaques to the two rear piers record the 24 names of those lost during WWII (2).

<1> Cheshire East Council, 2010, Cheshire East LDF Local List of Historic Buildings (Report). SCH5404.

<2> English Heritage/DCMS, Various, Notification of inclusion, amendment or removal from the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, Brady R 10/11/2011 (ref 464145) (Written Communication). SCH4885.