LEEDS
CITY WAR MEMORIAL
Compiled and Copyright © Martin Edwards 2006
The
Leeds City War memorial was originally erected in City Square, Leeds
takeing the form of a four stepped base surmounted by plinth and obelisk
on which the whole is surmounted by a bronze winged figure of peace.
On the 3 and 9 o'clock faces of the side of the obelisk is a bronze
figure of St George standing on the slain dragon and a bronze figure
of peace. There are four owls symbolising Leeds on the four corners
of the base of the obelisk and a wreath on the 6 o'clock face of the
base, colours hang on the 6 and 12 o'clock faces of the obelisk. In
1937 a new traffic scheme enforced a move of the memorial to Victoria
Ghardens outside the muncipal builds, Headrow, Leeds. In 1940 the Winged
Victory was taken down for repair and was put back in 1946. In 1965
the Victory figure was taken down when it moved in a gale. And was re-erected
in Cottingly Crematorium, the head is now in the museum. In 1991 an
Angel of Peace was erected to replace figure. The original memorial
was unveiled on 14th October 1922 by Viscount Lascelles and dedicated
by the Bishop of Ripon; it cost £6,000, by public subscription,
the architect was Sir Reginald Blomfield and the sculptor was H C Fehr
(the original figure came from Milan). The memorial was rededicated
again on 10th November 1991. Details of the original memorial can be
found in the Yorkshire Post 27th January 1921 and, for the addition
of the World War 2 names, the Leeds Telegraoh and Argus 20th February
1941..
OUR
GLORIOUS DEAD
PRO PATRIA
INVICTIS PAX 1914-1918 1939-1945
TO HONOUR THE FALLEN
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The
original unveiling 14th October 1922 from an old postcard
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Last updated
21 July, 2017
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