Described after the unveiling as "a memorial visible for miles around^[2]", the photograph above shows this to be no exaggeration. Matlock Bank, in the background, spreads across one of the opposite hillsides. When the monument was suggested as a fitting way to remember the war dead, Matlock's Council "secured for time immemorial the whole of the Pic Tor Rock and land, together with the promenade at the foot of the rock, which runs from the Park to Dale Road^[2]". Winding walks were added to the summit at the same time.

The memorial was unveiled by Mr. F. C. Arkwright of Willersley, whose son's name was listed amongst the fallen. His son-in-law was also a Casualty of War. When he addressed the crowd, Frederic Arkwright spoke from the heart about how it felt to lose someone. He added that "the site would be applauded by every one of the inhabitants of Matlock. It was his privilege to be able to find a site for the memorial. He had been in that fortunate position with regard to four memorials, and he believed that [Matlock] would be the last and most important, because it represented the largest population^[2]".

The commemoration ceremony took place on a very rainy Sunday afternoon, and the memorial was unveiled in front of "one of the largest gatherings of residents in the history of Matlock^[2]". Costing £500, it was designed by Mr. W. N. Statham and erected by Mr. John W. Wildgoose. The President of the War Memorial Committee, who were responsible for raising the funds, was Mr. Lubin G. Wildgoose and the hon. secretary was Mr. W. E. Williams.

The men who died were also remembered on the very moving floral tributes that were sent by relatives, friends, comrades, workmates, Matlock Urban District Council, the Scouts and Guides, the Matlock Rifle Club, Sunday Schools and local people who had known them. The most poignant tributes to read are perhaps those from the small children whose young fathers had died in the conflict.

In World War Two a number of Matlock lads were killed within a very short space of time but there were, thankfully, far less who perished. It is interesting to note how many more were airmen or naval personnel.

This beautiful memorial is situated at the northern end of the Promenade Gardens near the River Derwent and was unveiled slightly earlier than the Matlock memorial, on 21 May 1921 by Mr. F. C. Arkwright on a bright, sunny afternoon^[3].

The pedestal was made from of Cornish Granite and the figures were carved in Carrara, Italy, out of the local marble taken from quarries known to the Romans. Lead lettering was used. It cost £700 and the contractor was James Beresford & Sons of Belper.

Although it was designed for Matlock Bath, Charles Beresford^[4] (unrelated to the contractor) has told the web mistress that two copies were made - one for Cannock in Staffordshire and one for Scunthorpe in Lincolnshire.

The monument lists the names of those who died in both wars and the money for it was raised from public subscriptions. The original inscription, on the East Side, said: "Erected by voluntary subscription by the inhabitants of Matlock Bath". This was removed to make room for the names of those who died in the Second World War, but its traces can still be seen.

Image kindly donated by Photo-Ark © 2003

The Parish Council takes good care of Matlock Bath's beautiful monument. It is professionally cleaned every two years, as shown by the photo of the men working on it on the right.

	Promenade and Memorial, Matlock Bath
	Matlock Bath: North Parade
	Matlock Bath: North Parade about 1960

For those who like old postcards, on the left is another picture of the Great War Memorial, Matlock Bath, surrounded by poppy wreaths to remember the fallen. Although the card was not posted, it dates from about 1925.

Names on Matlock Bath's War Memorial
There's an enlargement of the inscription, a list of all the names of those who lost their lives and background information about Matlock Bath's Casualties of War.

The men who died are also remembered at Holy Trinity Church.
About Holy Trinity Church

Not everyone who fought in the War died, of course.
Matlock Bath Men Serving King and Country, 1914 lists some of those who enlisted at the beginning

Although the young men of Starkholmes are commemorated on Matlock's memorial at Pic Tor, it was decided they should have their own memorial. This memorial was built by Mr. John William Wildgoose and is on land given by Mr. Arkwright. It cost £180, raised by voluntary contribution. The dedication ceremony took place on 23rd November 1919^[4].

The memorial at Starkholmes is high on the hillside overlooking Matlock Bath. This photograph shows the memorial set against the background of Masson hillside. The cable car going up to the Heights of Abraham and part of Matlock Bath on the other side of the valley can be seen.

Made from local stone, the memorial takes the form of a carved Runic cross. The circle in the centre of the cross bears the words:
THEY GAVE THEIR LIVES.