The Nicholson War Memorial

The Nicholson War Memorial , known locally as the "Monument", is a well-known landmark for people visiting the town of Leek. It stands proudly at the junction of several roads leading into the town centre with its gates facing Derby Street. The memorial was built in 1925 by Sir Arthur and Lady Nicholson in memory of their son, Lieutenant Basil Lee Nicholson, who was killed in action at Ypres, Belgium, in 1915 and also in memory of the men in Leek and District who fell in the First World War. This striking war memorial is reputed to be the tallest memorial in the country and the only one with four clock faces. It is built of Portland stone on a red brick interior and stands eighty feet high. The contractors responsible for building the main structure were Messrs E. and A. Frith of Macclesfield. The cost in 1925 was £16,000.

The Friends of The Nicholson War Memorial has been established to preserve and enhance this unique structure. The building already has Grade 2 listed status and one of the aims of the Friends is to obtain Grade 1 status.

In 2008 a condition and maintenance report was carried out and established that urgent work is required to the internal concrete filler joists; as well as external masonry repairs and an overhaul of the bronze gates and lamps.

A successful grant application of £178,000 has been secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £10,000 from English Heritage and the Wolfson Foundation and the restoration repairs will be completed in October 2011. This will also include improvements to the public realm area including additional seating and an information board and an upgrade to the clock and the restoration of the waiting train. We will be giving guided tours of the building in February 2011 and an exhibition about the war memorial; the Fallen and the Nicholson family will be held at the Nicholson Institute in autumn 2012.

If you would like to learn more about the Nicholson War Memorial please follow the link: www.nicholsonmemorial.org.uk