Barnston Memorial facts for kids

Obelisk commemorating Roger Barnston

The Barnston Memorial is a tall, pointed stone monument called an obelisk. You can find it in Farndon, a village in Cheshire, England. This special memorial remembers Roger Barnston. He was a brave soldier who sadly died in 1857 from injuries he got during a battle in India. The memorial has a tall obelisk standing on a base, with four lion statues around it. It's also a very important old building, officially called a Grade II* listed building.

Remembering Roger Barnston

Roger Barnston was a brave soldier. He was a Major in the army. He fought in the Crimean War and later in India. Sadly, he died when he was only 31 years old. This happened on December 23, 1857. He was hurt during a big battle called the Siege of Lucknow. This battle was part of the Indian Rebellion.

How the Memorial Was Built

People in Farndon wanted to remember Roger Barnston. So, in 1858, they decided to build a memorial for him. Many people gave money to help. They collected a lot, about £426. A design by Edward A. Heffer was chosen. The memorial cost about £400 to build.

What Does the Memorial Look Like?

The Barnston Memorial is a tall, thin obelisk. It stands on a strong base. The whole monument is about 16.8 meters (55 feet) high. It is made from yellow sandstone. This stone came from a place called Cefn Quarry.

Special Details

The obelisk looks very slim and elegant. This is because of its curved shape at the bottom. Around the base of the monument, there are four lion statues. These lions look like they are crouching. Some people say they look "mourning" or "snoozing."

On the side of the base that faces the road, you can see the name BARNSTON carved. Below the name is a round plaque with a wreath design. On the other side, there is a long message carved into the stone.

The Inscription's Message

The message on the memorial tells us more about Roger Barnston. It says:

ERECTED IN MEMORY OF

ROGER BARNSTON ESQ re

OF CREWE HILL, MAJOR AND BREVET LIEUT. COLONEL

OF HER MAJESTY'S 90TH LIGHT INFANTRY, C.B.

AND KNIGHT OF THE LEGION OF HONOUR AND OF THE ORDER OF THE

MEJDEDIE;

BY HIS TENANTS AND FRIENDS.

HE SERVED IN THE CRIMEAN WAR FROM THE 5TH DECEMBER 1854;

AND WAS PRESENT AT THE SIEGE, AND FALL OF SEBASTOPOL;

AND ALSO IN THE INDIAN MUTINY CAMPAIGN IN 1857;

IN WHICH HE SUFFERED A SEVERE WOUND WHILE GALLANTLY LEADING AN ASSAULT

AT THE RELIEF OF LUCKNOW, ON

THE 16TH NOVEMBER 1857, FROM THE EFFECTS OF WHICH HE DIED AT

CAWNPORE ON THE 23RD DECEMBER 1857;

AGED 31 YEARS

AND WAS INTERRED IN THE MILITARY CEMETRY OF THAT STATION.

This message explains that his friends and people who lived on his land built the memorial. It also says he was a very respected officer. He received special awards like the Legion of Honour. He was hurt while bravely leading an attack. He died from his injuries in India.

Why is it a Special Building?

The Barnston Memorial is a very important historical monument. On November 28, 1984, it was given a special status. It became a Grade II* listed building. This means it is a "particularly important building of more than special interest." It's one of the most important types of old buildings in England.