Unknown British Soldier
Christ Church, 12 Church Rd, Barnton, Northwich CW8 4JH
Details on cross:
There are 2 GRU tags on the cross:- (1)
3-B-14
(2) Unknown British Soldier.
Text type (e.g. hand-written, GRU tags, carved): 2 GRU tags and a brass plaque.
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: 1168.4mm.
Cross beam width: 406.4mm.
Width of wood: 76.2mm.
Thickness or depth: 25.4mm.
Other information
Mounting to wall: n/a
Detailing: There is also a brass plaque just under the cross member which reads ‘1914-1918 This cross temporarily marked the grave of an unknown British soldier on the Western Front and is entrusted to your care by the Imperial War Graves Commission’.
Evidence of use in field (earth marking, cracking, staining, shrinkage): There is a small amount of deterioration towards the bottom of the cross.
Surface insertion depth (into ground if apparent): 254mm
Finish (varnish, paint, oiled, unfinished etc): Rough unfinished wood.
Condition (cracked, paint peeling, woodwork, damage etc): The cross is in very good condition, there is just a tiny amount of deterioration on the cross member.
Other information, notes and observations: Christ Church, Barnton in Northwich is a grade II listed building which was built in 1841-42 from Runcorn red sandstone. It has some beautiful stained glass windows including one dedicated by the British Legion during the year 2000, and another featuring the famous Anderton Boat lift.
NB. I believe this is the only example where the cross is depicted in stained glass as well. (Nick)
Many thanks to Beryl, who kindly arranged access to the church for us.
Survey and photographs courtesy of Beverley Goodwin/Margaret Draycott
Date of survey: 2nd August 2017
This window of Remembrance was produced by David Knowles past National Chairman of the Royal British Legion His company was Gladstone Glass the window is a teaching window the top of the window is the Dove of Peace the ring around the dove is from John 15 Greater Love Have no man the sun is at the going down of the sun we will Remember them the cross is a reminder of those lives that have been lost the five poppies are the five stigmata the badge of the Royal British Legion We Will Remember them Service not self the scroll is the exhortation from the poem The Fallen l was involved in the process of this window and my Husband Michael Hooper was Chairman of Branch Barnton and Anderton Branch that arranged the production of this Window
There is a book of Remembrance that was produced with all the names that a poppy was sponsored for who were Remembered the very top poppy was dedicated to the Queen Mother