Published February 24, 2016 at 10:55
The Cenotaph in Rawtenstall at the library gardens has had its listed status raised to Grade II*.
This status change comes as part of Historic England’s national assessment of war memorials.
Historic England recognised the heritage and history of Rawtenstall Cenotaph and duly upgraded its listed status. Historic England stated that is was awarded Grade II* listed status due to its architectural interest, its sculptural interest and the quality of the craftsmanship.
The cenotaph in Rawtenstall boasts a long and proud history, it was unveiled during a large ceremony on the 29th June 1929 to a design by Louis Frederick Roslyn (1878–1934).
At the time, around a thousand people took part in the unveiling procession which was headed by a detachment of the 4/5th Battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment and included the sculptor and representatives of a wide range of local public bodies in addition to members of the British Legion and other ex-servicemen and the parents, widows and children of the Fallen who carried posies.
Rossendale Council’s War Memorials lead officer works hard to preserve the cenotaph and make sure it remains an apt memorial to the Fallen.
By having its status listing raised it means that the cenotaph is now eligible for funding opportunities to preserve and celebrate it.
Cllr Alyson Barnes, Leader of the Council, welcomed this news; “This is good news and it is pleasing to see the memorial rewarded with raised listed status. The Council works hard to preserve the memorial to the Fallen and keep its historic features distinctive.”
Further emphasising Rawtenstall’s proud heritage, the war memorial in Rawtenstall cemetery has Grade II listed status, and boasts a proud history; being recognised as the first community World War One Memorial to be erected in this country.
