The Settle War Memorial, located at the junction of Church Street and Langcliffe Road, is a striking piece of architecture that captures the attention of both locals and visitors. Built in 1925, the memorial was designed by the architect Henry Ross and constructed by the local firm Brassington, Sons and Company Ltd.
The cenotaph itself is made of pristine white granite, standing on an octagonal plinth with a stepped pedestal. Its design is deliberately understated yet powerful, reflecting the sombre mood of the nation following the devastation of the Great War.
The Inscriptions: A Voice from Antiquity
One of the most moving aspects of the Settle War Memorial is the choice of inscription. Carved into the stone are the words of the ancient Greek playwright Euripides, taken from his tragedy The Women of Troy:
"No mean crown he wins who bravely for his country dies."
This quote, chosen by the people of Settle nearly a century ago, bridges the gap between ancient history and modern sacrifice. It reminds us that the pain of loss and the honour of service are universal human experiences that transcend time and geography.
The front of the memorial also bears the dedication:
"PRO PATRIA" (For Country)
"Erected by public subscription to the honoured memory of those from the township of Settle who gave their lives for King and Country in the Great War 1914-1918."
Honouring the Fallen: Names That Live On
The memorial serves as a permanent record of the individuals who left this idyllic corner of North Yorkshire to serve on the front lines.
World War I: The names of 50 men from the Settle township are inscribed, arranged by their year of death.
World War II: In 1948, the memorial was rededicated to include 17 additional names from the 1939-1945 conflict.
Modern Conflicts: Demonstrating that the memorial remains a "living" monument, a name from the Afghanistan (2001-2014) conflict was also added, ensuring that recent sacrifices are never forgotten.
Notably, the memorial also honours two US airmen who died in the district during World War II, a poignant reminder of the international cooperation and the local impact of the war even far from the front lines.
The Story of the Sunflowers
In recent years, visitors to the memorial garden may have noticed an addition that adds a splash of colour and contemporary meaning: metal sunflowers. These handcrafted steel sculptures, often made of Corten steel which develops a beautiful rust-like patina over time, have become symbols of hope and support.
Originally part of various charity installations (such as those for local hospices or as a show of solidarity with Ukraine), these sunflowers represent "moments that matter." Their presence alongside the stark granite of the cenotaph creates a beautiful dialogue between the "ordered ranks" of the fallen and the "everlasting bloom" of community spirit.
From Bridge End to Church Street
The memorial hasn't always stood in its current peaceful garden. When it was first unveiled on December 6, 1925, by Brigadier General J.E. Edwards, it was located in the middle of the road at Bridge End. As the town grew and traffic increased, the monument was eventually moved to its present, more tranquil location on Church Street, where it is now protected as a Grade II listed building.
Why You Should Visit Settle
Settle is a town steeped in history, serving as a gateway to some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. After paying your respects at the war memorial, you can explore:
The Settle-Carlisle Railway: One of the most scenic train journeys in the world starts right here.
Castleberg Crag: A towering limestone cliff that offers panoramic views of the town.
The Folly: A 17th-century Grade I listed house that now serves as a local museum.
The Settle War Memorial is not just a destination for history buffs; it is a place for quiet reflection for anyone visiting the Yorkshire Dales. It stands as a reminder that the freedom we enjoy to walk these hills was bought at a high price by the very names carved into its granite face.
I took these with a Nikon d3300 on the 23rd August 2016. Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!
All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.
