CASTLE SOWERBY WAR MEMORIAL

Detailed information for World War 1 & 2
Compiled and copyright © Martin Edwards 2023

The war memorial is to be found on the left hand side of path just inside gate from car park in St Kentigern Churchyard, Castle Sowerby, Eden, Cumbria. It takes the form of a stone latin cross set on a tapering plinth and rectangular stone base with the names in black lettering. The memorial was unveiled and dedicated by the Dean of York 5 April 1921. There are three names listed on one face naming themen who fell in World War 1 and on a side face the name of one man who fell in World War 2. Within the church is a framed, handwritten, scroll in the form of a Roll of Honour listing 18 names for World War 1 who seved and returned plus the three names who died.

Extract from Penrith Observer - Tuesday 19 April 1921, page 7:

CASTLE SOWERBY WAR MEMORIAL.

The Castle Sowerby war memorial was unveiled by Mr. J. Edgar, Bustabeck, Castle Sowerby, the Vicar, the Rev. G. Pallister, giving the address. The memorial is in Aberdeen grey granite, with rustic block and base and plain cross. It matches the quaint old church with its picturesque background. On the arms of the cross are the dates 1914-1918. On the polished face of the rustic block the inscription is as follows : "Fell in the great war. John George Trimble, James Bowes, Tom Stobart. Called to higher service."

Photogtraphs Copyright © John Hendry 2009

1914 -1918

FELL IN THE GREAT WAR

WHO GAVE THEIR SERVICES IN THE
GREAT WAR

Additional note extracted from Penrith Observer - Tuesday 22 April 1919, page 3:

HIGHWAY DIFFICULTIES IN
PENRITH UNION.

GOOD WORK BY GERMAN PRISONERS.

There was a larger attendance than usual at the last meeting of the Penrith Rural Council on Tuesday, many members attending to sign the acceptance of office after the election. Mr. J. Mounsey presided. The Surveyor (Mr. W. B. Lythgoe) reported that one of the rollers was idle as there was no cart obtainable in the area for leading [sic] stones. It was the intention to make up a bad length of road near Raygarthfield, but he feared it would now have to be left and the roller taken to some place where team labour was available. The German prisoners had been busy at the Whinfell Quarry. A large head of good blue metal had been quarried for the steam stone breaker; there was a large amount of second rate or top rock quarried. The latter would be put on back roads near, and rolled in without breaking. A gang of prisoners had begun work at Scale Rigg Quarry, and another at Coombe Quarry, Armathwaite, had been busy for a month, a useful amount of metal having been quarried. That quarry had not been worked for a long time, and was full of water, which had to be pumped out. Part of those men were now busy filling wagons, laying and breaking metal on the Nunnery road. Prisoners had also been engaged at Hewer Hill, Castle Sowerby, all the month, and useful work had been done. The men had got about as far as they could, and fresh work would have to be found for them shortly.

With regard to the damage to roads by heavy traffic the surveyor gave a long special report dealing with about a score roads. For the Board of Trade traffic to Calthwaite Station his provisional estimate for £1,066 for damage was accepted by the Government inspector, and £500 had been paid to the Council on account, the balance being due when the repairs had been completed. Early last year Nunnery Beck road was damaged by the haulage of timber for Government purposes. He had done all be could to obtain compensation, but without success, and it now seemed that the claim must be made on a special form which had not yet been printed. A large wood near Scales Hall was intended to be cut down shortly. Owing to the uncertinty [sic] in such cases, it became a question if it would not be the best policy to deal direct with timber haulers with regard to damage, and let them settle the liability with the Government.

Mr. Heskett said there was still a large quantity of timber being cut down in all parts of the district, but they were experiencing difficulty in getting compensation for the damaged roads. Government control in many matters was disappearing, and it was thought possible that it might also end with regard to road traffic and compensation. The Highways Committee therefore decided to have no more to do with it, but to deal direct with those who did the damage. They also had great difficulties in dealing with the carting of metal on to the roads, and had been compelled to ask the Council to purchase a tractor and wagons, also two sleeping vans, &c. The War Office were offering to authorities large quantities of material now returned from France, and the committee had asked Mr. Slack and the surveyor to go to Richborough, Kent, to inspect what the Government had in hand. It. was an opportunity which should not be lost, but they could not do it without an inspection, and the deputation would be given power to purchase. They were faced with a serious state of things owing to the absence of carting facilities. He was afraid they would not see as much improvement in the highways for a considerable time, when they had a catalogue such as the surveyor had prepared. The heavy timber traffic would place great difficulties on the staff. He moved the adoption of the report.

Mr. J. Potter seconded, and in supporting, Mr. J. Wharton said they ware finding it an evergrowing task to get team labour for carting stone and other material. They would certainly need both the steam tractors and the wagons.

The report was adopted.

Last updated 5 April, 2023