Bolton War Memorial

Bolton War Memorial

Bolton War memorial is situated in Victoria square at the foot of the town hall steps. There are no names engraved on the memorial. The memorial commemorates the people of Bolton lost during the First World War, and was unveiled on July 4th 1928 by the then Earl of Derby. Controversy dogged this memorial and even later the images of Walter Marsden remain powerful and awesome.

There is something very imposing about the monument. Whether it is because of the stonework or the bronze statues not sure. Certainly a one off. It has been suggested that the statues did not represent quite what was intended. 

His representations are disturbing.

Further inscriptions were added after the Second World War, and the bronze figures by Walter Marsden were added in 1933.These are the pictures.

Distant shot. From the front. The bronze figures were not installed until 1932.
More information is here. This monument was clearly controversial at the time.

Taken from the front. Restraining the warrior.

The town hall is seen in the picture.
This was taken from the front of the monument.

“Peace Restraining War”Peace restraining the warrior
Walter Marsden is seen right at the bottom of the casting.

“Peace seeing the Horrors of War”Peace raising her hands at seeing the warrior now dead.

“Peace seeing the Horrors of War”

“Peace Restraining War”

Fairly new shops. This is taken from the steps of the town hall. The inscription reads:

IN VNDYING MEMORY OF THE MEN AND WOMEN OF BOLTON WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR 1914-1919

The cross in the centre is bronze overlaid with the sword of a crusader.
The building behind is the Town Hall. This view is opposite of the one above.The inscription reads:

OUR BROTHERS DIED TO WIN A BETTER WORLD OUR PART MUST BE TO STRIVE FOR TRUTH GOODWILL AND PEACE THAT THEIR SELF-SACRIFICE BE NOT IN VAIN