Great War War Memorial, Balby - Local Heritage List Platform

Location/Address

Outside St John the Evangelist Church on Greenfield Lane, Balby Doncaster. DN4 0PT

Type

Landmark, art work or way finder

Assets whose form and function are readily visible, but which are not Buildings. This category includes signage and works of art such as murals and statues.

Description

First World war memorial outside the Church of St. Johns the Evangelist - a stone cross within the walls of the churchyard. Commemorates the local men who died in the Great War, with the addition of 6 names for those who died in the Second World War.

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Statement of Significance

Asset type

Commemorative War Memorial comprising of a Stone Cross.

Age

The cross was errected at the end of the Great war and unveiled in 1920

Architectural and Artistic Interest

The Memorial consists of a Latin Stone Cross carved in limestone, probably from Ancaster. It is made in at least 9 pieces. The decoration on the sides of the monument is of the Yorkshire Rose. There are 3 attached plaques with the names of local men who died during the great world war. Underneath the plaques are 6 names carved into the stone itself which are local men who died during the Second World War.

Group Value

This commemorative Great War Memorial stands outside St Johns the Evangelist Church in Balby It is built into the stone walls that surround the church yard and is therefore part of the structure of the church.

Historic Interest

The monument commemorates the men of the parish of Balby that lost their lives for their country during the Great War 1914-1919. It lists 112 names on 3 vertical plaques and there are a further 6 names inscribed in the stone at the bottom of the monument, which are local men who died during the second world war. On the back of the monument it gives details (although now fading) of the unveiling and consecration in 1920. In a local newspaper the details state "the Balby War memorial was unveiled on Saturday afternoon by Doncaster policeman V.C. ex-Sergt. G.H. Wyatt and dedicated the by the Bishop of Sheffield." The article mentions there was a large attendance, an imposing procession including the Mayor and members of the Corporation, clergy and ministers and townsfolk" (Sheffield Independent 29th November 1920). There is evidence of some damage to one panel which may have been repaired by soldering or brazing. Rumour has it that the plaques were removed and stolen some years ago but recovered and reinstated.

Landmark Status

The Monument stands on the roadside within the churchyard walls of the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Balby. It stands on the corner of Balby High Road and Greenfield Lane in a prominent position and is used as part of the Remembrance Day celebrations each year.