The history of Nicholson War Memorial and area around

It’s 80 years since the end of World War 2, which we've been commemorating this year. But did you know 2025 also saw the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Nicholson War Memorial, that tall monument at the end of Derby Street in Leek? At 90 feet it is one of the tallest war memorials in country.

Sir Arthur Nicholson, the Leek mill owner and silk manufacturer, originally commissioned it in memory of his son, Basil, who had been killed at the Battle of Ypres in 1915, and of all those other local men who had died in WW1. The names of the men and women who perished in WW2 were also added after that conflict.

John White, chair of Leek & District Historical Society, will be coming to Swythamley on Thursday 13 November to tell us the background and history of this impressive local monument and the area around it. The talk will start at 7.30 pm and entry costs £4.

For more information or to reserve your place, phone Margaret Mullins on 01260 227678 or Alan & Judy Weeks on 01260 22768. Or email c3d0aGFtbGV5aHMgfCBnbWFpbCAhIGNvbQ==.