Cenotaph memorial restored as Rochdale remembers

Rochdale's famous Cenotaph ready for Sunday's service

Rochdale’s Cenotaph has been restored to its former glory as part of the commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One. 

Work at the iconic Grade 1 listed structure included the repairing of the four flags which are mounted on the side of the Cenotaph, cleaning, new lettering, repainting and the restoration of the beautiful ornamental lamps. 

The project was undertaken by local specialist contractors Lisa and Stephen Burke and Littleborough based painter Chris Aughey. It marks the completion of a four year project across the borough to improve and refurbish local memorials.

Rochdale’s Cenotaph, the location for Sunday’s Remembrance service in the town, was the work of Sir Edward Lutyens and one of only seven memorials in England that was based on the famous Cenotaph he designed on Whitehall in London.

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for the armed forces, said: “Rochdale’s Cenotaph is a lasting and timeless memorial to the brave men and women who died fighting for the freedoms we enjoy today. The monument has now been carefully restored & repaired thanks to the wonderful work of Lisa, Stephen and Chris. Well done to everyone involved in a successful project that will enable future generations to appreciate this most iconic of structures. We will remember them.”