Monument record MYO4267 - St Cuthberts WWI memorial cross

Summary

Wooden cross on square base in churchyard. Unveiled 22 January 1921. Inscription: AROUND THE BASE: CONSTANTINE THE GREAT PROCLAIMED EMPEROR IN THIS PARISH AD 306/ IN THANKFULNESS TO ALMIGHTY GOD 865 PARISHIONERS SERVED IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 - 1918/ TO THE LOVE OF GOD THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN DID THEIR PART/ THE FALLEN ARE COMMENDED Unveiled 22nd January 1921

Location

Grid reference SE 6076 5203 (point)
Map sheet SE65SW
Unitary Authority City of York, North Yorkshire

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

First World War memorial, 1921.
MATERIALS: Clipsham stone; oak cross
DESCRIPTION: The war memorial is situated to the south of the Grade I-listed Church of St
Cuthbert, immediately adjacent to the entrance porch.
It takes the form of a tall, oak Latin cross rising from a four-sided, tapering Clipsham stone
plinth surmounting a single-step, square stone base. Both faces of the cross have the
inscription IN HOC SIGNO VINCES (In this sign you will conquer) written across the horizontal
arm; carved above the inscription to the vertical arm is the Chi Rho symbol. The plinth carries
the inscriptions in incised lettering.
The south-west face of the plinth reads IN THANKFULNESS/ TO ALMIGHTY GOD. To the
south- east face are the words, 865 PARISHIONERS/ SERVED IN THE WAR/ 1914-1918.
The north-east face reads, TO THE LOVE OF GOD/ THE FALLEN/ ARE COMMENDED. The
north-west face reads, THE WOMEN/ AND CHILDREN/ DID THEIR PART.
A further inscription reads anti clockwise around the top part of the plinth starting from
south-west face, CONSTANTINE THE GREAT/ PROCLAIMED EMPEROR/ IN THIS PARISH/
AD 306.

(Historic England Consultation Report 2018) https://tinyurl.com/y7s996jl

Reasons for designation:
Historic interest:
* as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the First World War;
* for the unusual inclusion of a dedication to Constantine the Great and his association with the city of York; his renown is utilised on the memorial as a symbol of victory and the Christian faith, making a direct association between him and the valour of those who served in the First World War.
Architectural interest:
* a well-executed Latin cross memorial.
Group value:
* with the Grade I-listed Church of St Cuthbert.

(HE Advice Report 2018)


United Kindom Inventory of War Memorials
http://www.ukniwm.org.uk
(Website). SYO2083.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • --- Website: United Kindom Inventory of War Memorials http://www.ukniwm.org.uk.

Protected Status/Designation

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (0)

Record last edited

Nov 10 2020 4:12PM

Feedback

Your feedback is welcome; if you can provide any new information about this record, please contact the City Archaeologist.