THE CENOTAPH

The Midgley & Luddenden War Memorial (also known as a Cenotaph, empty Tomb) lies between the Lord Nelson Inn and St. Mary's Church. It was built in 1923 on land originally owned by The Lord Nelson where previously stood a smithy and blacksmith shop.

The Cenotaph includes a list of those men lost from the villages in World War 1. Later a list of those lost in WW2 was added.

The commemoration of the servicemen and the villages War Dead is also reflected in the various Rolls of Honour that preceded the creation of the villages war memorial.

And for a nation perspective, please read about the work of Fabian Ware and the creation of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission which can be viewed here.

The creation of the War Cemeteries ultimately lead to the need for War Memorials in every town and village in the UK as most families who had lost loved ones didn't have the means to visit the war graves. Local focal points for remembrance were required.

The history of the Midgley and Luddenden War Memorial will be added here.