Grade 1 listed status for Rochdale Cenotaph

Rochdale Cenotaph

Rochdale Cenotaph is now Grade I listed. 

Lutyens’ striking Cornish granite memorial is sited close to Grade I listed Rochdale Town Hall, used as a First World War enlisting point. The cenotaph was unveiled 26 November 1922. Lutyens’ original scheme was for a memorial bridge.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has decided to amend the entry for Rochdale Cenotaph on the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.

A spokesperson for Historic England said: “We have taken into account all the representations made, and completed our assessment of the building. Having considered our recommendation, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has decided to amend the entry for Rochdale Cenotaph on the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. The building is listed at Grade I.

“Listing helps us to mark a building’s significance and celebrate its special architectural and historic interest.”

Unknown soldier atop of Rochdale Cenotaph

Council Lead Member for the Armed Forces, Councillor Alan McCarthy said: "Since signing the military covenant in 2012 we have worked hard to create an active Armed Forces Community. The support we have within the Borough can only get stronger. We are leading the way across the UK in promoting services to assist the Armed Forces Family. We try hard to ensure that no member of the Armed Forces Family is disadvantaged as a result of service. We are not only supporting our veterans but we are ensuring that future generations are able to connect with our history.

"Having the Cenotaph listed as grade 1 is part of our programme over the centenary of The Great War to ensure we remember why we remember. It is important to preserve our memorials to ensure the local community can reflect on the impact of conflict and honour those who have served their country."

Councillor Richard Farnell, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Since signing the military covenant in 2012 we have worked hard to create an active Armed Forces Community and we’re leading the way in promoting services to assist the Armed Forces Family. Through this, we are not only supporting our veterans but ensuring that future generations are able to connect with our history.

"Having the Cenotaph listed as grade 1 is part of our programme over the centenary of The Great War to ensure we remember why we remember. It’s important to preserve our memorials to ensure the local community can reflect on the impact of conflict and honour those who have served their country.

"We have recently completed a new memorial in Heywood for veterans of less well-known conflicts as part of this commitment to look after cenotaphs across the borough and recognise their importance to the local community.”