This is a World War memorial dedicated in 1920, with later additions for the Second World War.
Its stands on ‘The Mount’ and listed at Grade II by Historic England as it is considered an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on this local community, and the sacrifice the community made in the conflicts of the 20th Century. From an architectural perspective it is a simple yet elegant war memorial cross. The memorial takes the form of a tall cross on a tapering plinth that stands on a two-stepped base. The memorial is made of stone with bronze plaques.
Plans for a war memorial were underway in Spring 1919, when it was reported that Mr HC Elletson would provide a piece of land in a location suitable for the extended communities of Preesall and Knott End. A design by G Wallace Proffitt of Manchester, architect, was adopted and the builder, WL Cookson of Blackpool, was appointed.
Preesall and Knott End War Memorial was unveiled on 3 October 1920 by General Sir A Hunter MP. It commemorates 33 local servicemen who died during the First World War; the names of six men who fell in the Second World War were added later. In 2014 a project was undertaken to improve access to the memorial with the help of grant aid from the War Memorials Trust.
The War Memorial is located on ‘The Mount’ also known as Hakon’s Mound, an earthwork thought to be of some antiquity but possibly a mill-mound or garden feature. ‘The Mount’ is on the west side of Lancaster Road, at the junction with Pilling Lane.
The inscriptions are on bronze plaques fixed to the plinth. The principal dedicatory inscription on the front face reads:
‘This cross is erected in honour and remembrance of the men of Preesall who fell in the wars 1914-1918 AND 1939-1945’ Commemorated names are listed on the remaining three sides.
The memorial is approached from the east by a path and flight of stone steps. handrails were added for access in 2014 and line the steps.
