This War Memorial was erected in 1924, by Messrs Tyas and Guest, to honour the fallen in The Great War 1914-1918. Later, plaques were fitted to remember those that fell in The Second World War. It is a grade 2 listed monument sitting proudly on Maltby Crags, a popular recreational area offering great walks and spectacular scenery.
The memorial is constructed from three different types of rock. We are only interested in two of these, the main body section and the lower section. Please ignore the Grey slabs which surround the memorial.
Rocks fall into three main categories;
Igneous; Rock which was once molten, either within the earths crust as Magma or above the surface as Lava, has cooled and solidified. The size of crystals within an Igneous rock is dependent upon the cooling rate, the slower it cools the larger the crystals are allowed to grow.
Sedimentary;
These rocks were formed when weathered or eroded particles were transported and deposited usually by the action of Wind or Water, to later become compressed forming a hard solid mass.Organic particles, such as shell fish and micro organisms can settle on the sea floor and become compacted over millions of years. The rate of deposition can effect particle size, particularly in rivers and estuaries, where finer material can carry for longer periods of time and faster currents can carry larger material further.
Metamorphic;
Both Igneous and Sedimentary rocks can have their structures altered by intense heat and pressure over long periods of time. Chemical reactions from fluids and gases can cause new minerals to form within pre-existing rocks. Crystals within a rock can have their shape, colour and composition changed, to look nothing like the original. A good example is Marble, which was once Limestone, heat and pressure causing the Carbonate minerals within it to recrystallise sometimes forming intricate patterns which we see on worktops and memorials.
Granite
Granite is an Igneous rock which is formed when molten Magma cools beneath the surface of the Earth. Generally speaking, Granite is composed of varying amounts of Alkali Feldspar ( generally White or Pink), Quartzite ( generally Grey or White) and Plagioclase ( Grey or White). Other minerals which may be present include Mica, which can be translucent and Amphiboles which are usually dark coloured. Due to the slow cooling rate when forming, the crystals are usually large, interlocking and very visible. It is a hard rock which can be cut, shaped and polished to a high standard.
Sandstone
A Sedimentary rock which has been formed from sand-sized particles, ( typically 0.0625-2mm), cemented together by another mineral. The particles could have been placed by the action of Wind or Water and once compacted over millions of years form a hard durable rock. It's colours include Tan, Yellow, Red, Brown, Grey, White, Pink and Black. It can be cut and shaped into blocks and ornate carvings, but cannot be polished.
Limestone
Limestone is a Sedimentary rock, formed from Calcium Carbonate particles such as the hard parts of sea creatures, coral, fecal matter and algae. Upon settling and eventual compaction over millions of years, a hard rock is formed. This has usually occurred in warm shallow seas or reef type environments. Limestone can contain fossils such as Ammonites, Brachiopods (large molluscs), Corals and Crinoids ( sea lillies). It can range in colour from pure White to Cream, Grey, Yellow and Brown. Portland Limestone from Southern England is almost pure White and is highly regarded as the finest stone for memorials. It too can be cut and carved into intricate designs including sculptures.
Logging requirements
Please read the information above and take time to study the memorial. Answer the questions below and using the Message or e-mail facility in our profile, send us the aswers. Once you have sent the answers you may log straight away. Photos are welcome as proof of visit, but please, no spoilers, thank you.
Q1, Look at the blocks immediately above the Grey slabs, describe the colour and texture, are there any crystals, what type stone do you think this is.
Q2, Look at the upper section of the memorial, in-between ' LEST WE FORGET' and the very top. Describe the colours and texture, are there any crystals,what type of stone do you think this is..
If anybody would like to expand the War Memorial Series, please do. I would ask that you let Just-us-Two know first by filling in the contact form on the War Memorial Series website warmemorialseries.co.uk https://warmemorialseries.co.uk/ so they can keep track of the War Memorial numbers and names to avoid duplication.