York City War Memorial

The York City War Memorial: A Monumental Journey

Imagine standing before a grand monument that has stood for nearly a century, a silent witness to history. The York City War Memorial, designed by the renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, is such a place—a testament to those who served and sacrificed during the First World War.

The Genesis of a Monument

Wasn’t it just six years after the war ended that the memorial fund was opened? It’s hard to believe how quickly communities began to honor their fallen heroes. The initial proposals for this memorial were met with mixed feelings, as people debated whether it should be purely a monument or serve some utilitarian purpose.

The Architect’s Vision

Lord Lutyens visited York on August 12, 1920, to review potential sites for the memorial. He preferred a site outside the city walls but the committee opted for his second choice, a site inside the walls in the moat by Lendal Bridge.

The committee asked Lutyens to submit a formal proposal, which he received eleven weeks later. After reviewing and revising his design, Lutyens submitted a revised plan that took into account public objections. The final design featured a War Cross and a Stone of Remembrance, but due to funding constraints, the council scaled back the project to just the cross.

Objections and Approvals

Could it be that even with initial approval, several groups raised objections? The York Archaeological Society and the Yorkshire Architectural and York Archaeological Society felt that the design did not fit with the existing architecture. However, after modifications were made, the Ancient Monuments Board eventually approved the scheme.

The Unveiling Ceremony

The memorial was unveiled on June 25, 1925, at a ceremony attended by large crowds. It is made of Portland stone construction in the form of a lozenge-shaped shaft with short, chamfered arms that form a cross. The cross stands on a base of four uneven rectangular blocks, below which is an undercut square platform, and at the very bottom are two wide, shallow steps.

Further Enhancements

The committee spent the remaining £17 on three wooden benches for the memorial garden to wind up the memorial fund. The York City War Memorial was designated a grade II listed building in 1970 and the gates and piers were separately listed at grade II in 1983. In 2015, Lutyens’ war memorials were recognised as a national collection and all of his free-standing memorials in England were listed or had their listing status reviewed, resulting in the York City memorial being upgraded to grade II*.

The York City War Memorial stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance and respect. It serves not only as a tribute to the fallen but also as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals during times of conflict. As we stand before this monument, let us reflect on its enduring legacy and the importance of honoring our past.