Leeds War Memorial facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Leeds War Memorial
Liverpool War Memorial with the art gallery behind
Location	Victoria Square, The Headrow, Leeds
Built	1922 (statue replaced in 1992)
Architect	Henry Charles Fehr
Sculptor	Henry Charles Fehr and Ian Judd (replacement)
Listed Building – Grade II

The Leeds War Memorial is a special monument in Leeds, England. It stands in Victoria Square, near the Headrow, the Town Hall, and the Leeds City Art Gallery. This memorial was built to remember the brave people from Leeds who died in the First World War. A sculptor named Henry Charles Fehr designed it. It was officially shown to the public on October 14, 1922.

History of the Memorial

The war memorial with its first angel statue in its original spot at City Square.

After the First World War, many artists were asked to design memorials. Henry Charles Fehr created a unique design that was different from most other memorials. His design was chosen for Leeds, and also for places like Eastbourne, Lisburn, and Lockerbie.

The memorial was first placed in City Square in Leeds. Later, it was moved to its current spot in Victoria Square.

Why the Memorial Moved

Before the 1930s, buildings stood where Victoria Square is now. The city of Leeds wanted to make the Headrow street wider. This big project started before the First World War.

In 1936, the city decided to create a new garden area in front of the central library and art gallery. This area used to have a hotel and offices. In January 1937, it was decided to move the war memorial into this new garden. This was done to help with new traffic plans in City Square. The garden was opened by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Tom Coombs. After that, the war memorial was officially dedicated again in its new home.

Removal During the Second World War

In 1940, a crack was found in the tall stone part of the memorial. Because of this, the memorial was taken down for repairs. It was also kept in storage because people were worried about bomb damage during the Leeds Blitz (bombings in Leeds). The memorial was put back in its place in 1946 after the war ended.

Damage and a New Statue

The memorial faced more damage from strong winds. In 1965, the original angel statue, called the "angel of victory," had to be removed. In 1967, the top of the memorial was covered with marble.

The old angel statue was moved to Cottingley Crematorium. But it kept getting damaged and eventually couldn't be fixed. By November 1988, it was removed completely. Only the head of the original statue still exists today. It is part of the Leeds Sculpture Collection.

The memorial stayed without a statue for a while. In 1990, it was decided that a new statue should be made. Instead of making an exact copy, they chose a new design. This new statue was called the "Angel of Peace." Sculptor Ian Judd designed it. The new Angel of Peace was officially dedicated on Remembrance Day, November 10, 1991.

What the Memorial Looks Like

The memorial is a tall, pyramid-shaped stone structure. It is topped with a bronze statue of an "Angel of Peace." This angel holds roses. This angel was added in 1992. It replaced the first angel, which held a sword and a wreath.

On the north side of the memorial, there is a sculpture called 'Peace releasing a dove'. On the south side, you can see 'Saint George and the Dragon'. The corners of the stone part have sculptures of owls. Owls are a special symbol for the City of Leeds.

Messages on the Memorial

The memorial has important messages carved into all its sides:

• Invictis Pax (north side): This means "Peace to the Unconquered."
• Ovr Gloriovs Dead (west side): This means "Our Glorious Dead."
• Honovr to the Fallen (east side): This means "Honor to the Fallen."
• Pro Patria (south side): This means "For the Homeland."
• 1914–1918 (north-west corner): These are the years of the First World War.
• 1939–1945 (south-west corner): These are the years of the Second World War.

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  Peace releasing a dove

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  Saint George and the Dragon

The Memorial Today

Wreaths placed at the memorial in November 2018.

Today, the Leeds War Memorial is a very important place for Remembrance Day ceremonies in Leeds. On this day, people gather to remember those who died in wars. There are also spots next to the memorial where three flagpoles are set up for the ceremony.