Clara Vale war memorial garden

Clara Vale war memorial garden

HER Number
7663
District
Gateshead
Site Name
Clara Vale war memorial garden
Place
Clara Vale
Map Sheet
NZ16SW
Class
Commemorative
Site Type: Broad
Commemorative Monument
Site Type: Specific
Commemorative Garden
General Period
20TH CENTURY
Specific Period
Early 20th Century 1901 to 1932
Form of Evidence
Structure
Description
This war memorial was formerly on the Gateshead local list with the following description:
Unveiled on Oct 22nd 1921, this is a small, triangular shaped memorial garden with a polished granite memorial column in the centre. The monument was erected at a cost of £275 by public subscription. The low wall and railings were erected shortly after the ceremony by Stella Coal Company. The column is square on plan with a stepped base. Above it is a cornice below a triangulated capstone, topped by a decorative, draped urn. To the front (north) face WWI deaths are commemorated, with WWII deaths commemorated on a side (east) face. A cherry (?) tree grows between the memorial and one of the surrounding walls, which are of brick with concrete copings. Low, white painted iron railings with decorative details top the walls. There are small, robust stone gate piers to the entrance.
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
The memorial garden is very small, but makes an important contribution to the Conservation Area in which it is set. It has its own unique character created by the singular shape of the plot and the combination of treatments to the boundary which are only semi-formal – the whole composition being a peaceful setting for the memorial. The stone is unusual and of high quality, with the urn carving well-executed. It creates a small oasis within the village, and the seat outside enables people to enjoy the space. Restored 2008. LISTED GRADE II
Easting
413421
Northing
564907
Grid Reference
NZ413421564907
Sources
Fiona Green, 1995, A Guide to the Historic Parks and Gardens of Tyne and Wear, p 31; Gateshead Council Local List X20/LLG/04; http://www.ukniwm.org.uk/server/show/conMemorial.42095; https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1435730