Belfast Cenotaph facts for kids

The Cenotaph in 2019

The Belfast Cenotaph is a special war memorial located in Belfast, Northern Ireland. You can find it in Donegall Square West, right next to Belfast City Hall. A cenotaph is a monument built to honor people whose remains are elsewhere, often those lost in war.

This important memorial was designed by Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas, who also designed Belfast City Hall. It was officially shown to the public in 1929. Because of its historical value, it became a Grade A listed building in 1984, which means it's a very important historical structure.

What Does It Look Like?

The Belfast Cenotaph has a tall stone monument in the middle, standing about 30 feet (9 meters) high. It's made from a type of stone called Portland stone. On each side of the monument, there are bronze holders for flagpoles.

At the very top of the monument, you can see carvings of laurel wreaths. These wreaths are symbols of victory and honor. The monument also has special messages carved into its sides.

Messages on the Cenotaph

On the north side, the inscription says: "PRO DEO / ET / PATRIA" which means "FOR GOD AND COUNTRY". It also says that the monument was built by the City of Belfast to remember its "heroic sons" who gave their lives in the Great War (1914–1918). Part of the message includes words from King George R.I., praising the bravery of the men from Ulster.

On the south side, another message reads: "THEY DEDICATED THEIR LIVES TO A GREAT CAUSE AND THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS BY LAND, SEA AND AIR WON UNDYING FAME". This honors the soldiers, sailors, and airmen for their lasting bravery.

The Surrounding Area

The main monument stands on three steps. To the south, there's a curved row of columns that are about 25 feet (7.6 meters) tall. To the north, you'll find a peaceful sunken garden. Since 2011, this garden has been the spot for an annual Field of Remembrance, where people place small crosses to remember fallen soldiers. The paving in this garden was updated in 1993.

History and Ceremonies

The Belfast Cenotaph was finished in 1927. It was officially unveiled by Viscount Allenby on 11 November 1929. This date is important because it's Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I.

Today, the Cenotaph is a key place for remembrance.

Annual Remembrance Events

Every year, special services are held at the Cenotaph. The most well-known is the Remembrance Sunday service, which honors all those who have died in wars.

There are also yearly ceremonies on 1 July to remember the first day of the Battle of the Somme. This was a very difficult day during World War I. In 2002, Alex Maskey, who was the first Sinn Féin Lord Mayor of Belfast, laid a wreath at this ceremony. This was a significant moment for many people.

Nearby Memorials

Close to the Belfast Cenotaph, you can find other memorials. These include monuments honoring Irish soldiers who served in the Boer War and the Korean War. There is also a memorial for the US forces who arrived in Northern Ireland in 1942 during World War II.