The Garden has been created as a lasting memorial to honour over 100 local men who died in World war One and who are buried in the churchyard or remembered on St John's Roll of Honour
Some casualties are buried in Commonwealth War Graves, others in family graves; many fell on the battlefields, particularly in the Battle of the Somme, and were never recovered. Few families are able to visit where they died or attend memorials abroad, so the Garden will provide a tranquil accessible alternative.
It is also to commemorate the 100th anniversary to the end of World war One.
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Local MP Andrew Stephenson opens Memorial Garden -
Stone Planters for Roses -
Sandstone Plaque -
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Symbolism in the Garden
An avenue of silver birch trees represent soldiers on parade
" A native tree, the silver birch is thought to symbolise renewal and love. Good for wildlife, and used to make hardwearing bobbins, spools and reels for the Lancashire cotton industry."
Hornbeams stand to attention at the end of the avenue
"Reported to be the only single tree left in Delville Wood, known by soldiers as "Devil's Wood', where fighting was particularly ferocious during the Battle of the Somme. Also native and good for wildlife"
Blue Slate covers the rose garden and is kept in place by a surround of uninscribed sandstone kerbstones.
Small rose garden in four stone planters
"Different coloured roses to signify the stages of grief and bereavement - red (anger), purple (denial), pink (acceptance), white (remembrance).
Darcy Bussell Rose-picture courtesy David Austen roses
Rhapsody in Blue Rose. Picture courtesy of David Austen Roses
Scepter'd Isle Rose. Picture coutesy of David Austen Roses
Tranquillity Rose. Picture courtesy of David Austen Roses
Sandstone Plaque
Local Men: Local Heroes
Lest We Forget
Pause Reflect Remember
1914-1918
Kindly donated by….
St John's Churchyard
St John with St Philip Church
Barkerhouse Road
Nelson, Lancashire
BB9 9EY
