South Face
East Face
North Face
West Face
South Face
North Face
South Face Steps
East Face
West Face
The War Memorial - Rawtenstall Municipal Cemetery
This memorial, now listed as an historic monument, was erected at the instigation of Carrie Whitehead J.P. in September 1915 and is recognised as the first community World War One Memorial to be erected in this country.
It was given "Grade II Listed Building" status on 25th August 1999.
The War Memorial 1914 - 1919 Rawtenstall Cemetery
Roll of Honour
This cross was erected by Carrie Whitehead, September 1915
that it might be some comfort to those who lost men very dear to them
In grateful memory of the men of Rawtenstall who gave their lives for their
country in the Great War 1914 - 1918
He will swallow up death in victory, and the Lord will wipe away tears from all faces
Is. XXV. 8.
The article below appeared in the Rossendale Free Press - 6th November 1915
RAWTENSTALL’S FALLEN SOLDIER
Memorial Erected in the Cemetery
By Miss Carrie Whitehead
Through the generosity of Miss Carrie Whitehead of Holly Mount, a beautiful monument has been erected in Rawtenstall Cemetery in memory of the brave soldiers, primarily from the two central wards of Rawtenstall borough who have given up their lives for their King and country. Miss Whitehead has taken great interest in various kinds of work connected with the war, and has been a very good friend to a large number of soldiers wives and widows in the borough, by whom she is held in great respect. She has taken a prominent part in the work connected with the various relief funds and also the fund for providing comforts for Rossendale lads serving abroad with the Army and Navy. She is President of the recently formed Borough Girls Guild, which has a membership of 1,000 girls and young women, who are busily engaged in knitting and sewing various articles for local and wounded soldiers, who are serving abroad. She is also an active worker in connection with the Newhallhey Auxiliary Military Hospital, and secretary of the Rawtenstall District Nursing Society. Miss Whitehead takes a prominent part in connection with the work of the Mayoress’ Sewing Committee, and devotes a good deal of time to several other institutions, whose objects are for the benefit and welfare of the residents of Rawtenstall Borough.
The memorial takes the form of a cross, with three steps 9ft 6ins square, of axed granite, polished die, surmounted with axed cap and cross in Birkhall grey granite. It stands 12ft 6ins high and bears the inscription:-
"In grateful memory of the men of Rawtenstall, who gave their lives for their country in the great war 1914 – 19—
He will swallow up death in victory: and the Lord God will wipe away tears from of all faces."
The names of killed already inscribed on the stone are:-
Pte Ernest Jones October 12th 1914
Pte Edward Bradford December 14th 1914
Corpl John Whitham May 9th 1915
Pte Edward Ramsbottom July 11th 1915
Pte James Gorman November 16th 1914
Pte William Robert Schofield April 25th 1915
Pte George Smith Pyle June 13th 1915
Driver Robert Henry Turner August 16th 1915
The memorial reflects great credit on sculptor, Mr Joseph Harling, Haslingden-road, Rawtenstall.