A SIGNIFICANT Uppermill landmark has been granted Grade II Listed status by Historic England.
This has led to renewed calls from residents to host a Remembrance Sunday service at the cenotaph, in addition to the traditional Pots and Pans obelisk.
St Chad’s War Memorial was assessed for the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, and a recommendation made to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Unveiled on October 21, 1921 the 97-year old structure commemorates the 252 men from the area of Saddleworth who lost their lives in the First World War.
After the Second World War another dedication was added to the memorial for that conflict. The cenotaph was first listed on December 9, 2019 for three principal reasons:
• Its historical interest ‘as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the 20th Century’.
• Its architectural interest ‘as a well-executed figurative war memorial with a carved statue of an angel, that employs good quality materials and craftsmanship’.
• Its group value with the Grade II-listed St Chad’s House, in whose grounds it is located.
Saddleworth Parish Councillor Neil Allsopp said: “I was delighted to receive the news that St Chad’s War Memorial is now protected by the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.
“It’s so important to protect and preserve monuments like this.
“It represents the sacrifice made by millions for the freedom we enjoy today, and that must never be forgotten or taken for granted.
“You only have to witness the turnout by the people of Saddleworth on Remembrance Sunday to truly appreciate just how much we, as a community, value places like this to pay our respects to the fallen.”
Locals believe that St Chad’s increased importance as a Grade-II Listed structure strengthens the case for Remembrance Sunday services at the cenotaph.
Cllr Allsopp continued: “I think we should have somewhere that people can go, who can’t make it up Pots and Pans, who want to attend a public service on Remembrance Sunday.
“Of course, it would need to be organised but if something could be sorted in the years to come, a service at St. Chad’s would I’m sure be worthwhile.”
Hundreds make an annual trip to the monument at Pots and Pans overlooking Saddleworth’s villages, but many more find it difficult to make the climb to the top of the famous 1,200-foot hill.
