War memorial rededicated to pay tributes to Blackburn’s fallen

Published Wednesday 28 October 2015 at 11:59

A war memorial to those who died in World War I will take pride of place in Blackburn’s new town centre Cathedral Quarter development.

The memorial has been given a facelift, with the names of those died during the great war re-inscribed, re-bronzing of the plaques and replacement of the ‘Sword of Sacrifice’ which decorated the monument.

Originally located at the Church of Saint Michael’s and All Angels in Whalley New Road the memorial was first unveiled in 1920.

Following the church’s demolition it was moved to the grounds of Blackburn Cathedral until work started on the new development in 2014.

The memorial is reminiscent of the great cenotaph in Whitehall, London, with its four-sided obelisk design and a large base with an inscription that reads ‘In honour of the men who fell in the Great War 1914-1919’.

The names of the fallen are carved on the remaining three sides although before the restoration work many had worn away.

The Council with members from the Local History Society, Staff and Volunteers from the Central Library and with time given from members of the public have been researching the names of the fallen from the parish.

Through best endeavours 195 names have been identified. With special thanks to Ray Smith, Stephen Smith, Mary Painter, Maurice Whelan, Alan Barry and the relatives of the deceased that have been in contact.

A rededication service will take place at Blackburn Cathedral on Saturday, November 14 at 10.45am.

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