Heritage Statement

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Heritage Statement

In support of Application for Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent for the dismantling and rebuilding of Grade II listed Warrington Cenotaph with lighting, and improved access and wreath fixings.

Warrington Cenotaph Bridge Foot Warrington Cheshire

March 2018

Keystone Heritage

Keystone Heritage 46 Stone Delf Sheffield South Yorkshire S10 3QX

Tel: +44(0)78 3456 1626 Email: [email protected] Web: www.KeystoneHeritage.co.uk

Cover image: Warrington Cenotaph, Bridge Foot, Cheshire © Keystone Heritage

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2 Contents

Executive Summary 4

1. Introduction 5

2. Planning Context and Planning History 9

3. Outline of Proposed Works 14

4. Background History of the Application Site 19

5. Identification of Heritage Assets potentially affected by the Proposal 30

6. Significance of the Heritage Assets 34

7. Assessment of the Potential Impact of the Proposed Works on the Significance of the Heritage Assets 42

8. Conclusion 48

Appendices 49 Sources National Heritage List Summaries Letter from Andrew Ker

3 Executive Summary

This Heritage Statement is written in relation to works proposed to the south bank of the River Mersey in Warrington and to the Grade II listed Warrington Cenotaph.

Warrington Cenotaph stands on the south bank of the River Mersey between Warrington Bridge and the later Warrington New Bridge (dating from the mid 1980s) to the east. Following the collapse of a section of masonry river wall into the river immediately behind the curved retaining wall of the cenotaph, it was considered necessary to undertake remedial works to prevent further collapse. Investigation on site identified signs of past and potentially on-going cracking and movement of the boundary walls of the war memorial and gardens. This movement is probably caused by the collapse of the adjacent section river wall but may have been exacerbated by additional factors including insufficient original foundations or physical action by tree roots close-to and under the footings.

A scheme of remedial works was therefore devised including the installation of a sheet pile retaining wall along the riverbank and improved foundations and draining drainage to the hard landscape areas of the cenotaph. Various methodologies for undertaking the works were explored but the only viable solution necessitates the temporary dis-assembly of the cenotaph in order to allow plant access to the riverbank.

While there are obvious risks involved in taking down the memorial garden walls and in particular the obelisk, the work is necessary in order to secure the site and prevent further collapse in future. The opportunity is therefore being taken to include additional public benefits in the scheme including the provision of ramp access to the cenotaph site as well as sensitively designed external lighting. Improved mountings for memorial wreaths will also be provided. Mitigation measures have been offered to offset the possible disturbance of buried archaeological remains on site.

While the proposed works will constitute a level of change to the Grade II structure and to the Bridge Street Conservation Area, this is considered to represent less than substantial harm and is outweighed by the public benefits offered by the scheme. As such the proposals are considered to comply with national and local planning policy.

4 1. Introduction

1.1 Location This Heritage Statement is written in relation to the Grade II listed Warrington Cenotaph. The town of Warrington is located approximately midway between Liverpool and Manchester. Historically in Lancashire, today it is the largest town in the county of Cheshire and a unitary authority area. The River Mersey runs through Warrington before reaching a broad marine estuary a short distance to the west. The river adjacent to the application site is tidal. The town’s history has been shaped by it being located at a long-standing transport hub; first by river then by canal, road and rail and, most recently, in terms of its proximity to three major motorways.

Fig.1 Location of the Warrington Cenotaph on a bend of the River Mersey © Google Earth

Warrington Cenotaph stands on the south bank of the River Mersey on a small headland formed by a loop of the river. The war memorial is located by the southern approach to Warrington Bridge (built 1909-15) on a site that lies between Warrington Bridge and the later Warrington New Bridge (dating from the mid 1980s) to the east. The site has subsequently become enclosed by a busy circular road formed by the junction of the A49 (Wilderspool Causeway) and the A5061 (Knutsford Road). The area to the north of the cenotaph site, including Warrington Bridge, was designated as the Bridge Street Conservation Area by Warrington Borough Council in 1980. The cenotaph site was included in the conservation area following an appraisal of the area in 2006.

Fig.2 Warrington Cenotaph located on the south bank at Bridge Foot © Google Earth

1.2 Circumstances of this Report Following the collapse of a section of masonry river wall into the River Mersey immediately behind the curved retaining wall of the cenotaph between the two bridges, Aspin Consulting were commissioned to investigate and report on the structural failure. Their findings were presented in their ‘Options Appraisal Report on River Mersey Embankment, Warrington (Ref. AC 2673/RiverMersey/002) and subsequent addendum report.

The report noted that ground to the rear of the collapsed section of wall appeared unstable and was unsupported. In addition, the boundary walls of the adjacent war memorial and gardens were exhibiting signs of past and potentially on-going cracking and movement. The report explained that failure of the memorial wall was not necessarily caused by the collapse of the adjacent section river wall itself; other possible causes included insufficient original foundations, physical action by tree roots close-to and under the footings, as well as the on- going slippage of soils between the war memorial and the failed section of river wall.

The report by Aspin Consulting concluded that doing nothing was not a realistic option and recommended that remedial works were required to support the failing section of river bank. The report suggested that the river wall be rebuilt to act as an effective retaining structure, to protect from and prevent further erosion/failure of the soils of the riverbank, and to support the ground upon which the war memorial and gardens stand. Further structural inspection by

6 Ramboll in 2018 confirmed on-going movement as a result of which the rebuilding of the failed section of river wall has been recommended.

Various options for carrying out the work were explored and a solution proposed. The scheme is being delivered by Balfour Beatty who have engaged with specialist structural engineering consultants Ramboll UK Ltd. Ramboll have commissioned Keystone Heritage to produce a heritage statement in support of the application for listed building consent for the proposed dismantling and rebuilding of the listed structure.

1.3 Methodology A site visit was made on 5 February 2018 to assess the impact of the proposed works on the significance of the cenotaph and on the Bridge Street Conservation Area, and to make a photographic record of the site. A desk-based search has subsequently been undertaken of all reasonably available documentary and historical sources relating to the site, a list of which is included here as an appendix. This report has been prepared to current industry standards in the context of current planning legislation, national and local planning policy, as well as guidance from Historic England, the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, and the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.

Particular attention has been paid to Historic England advice entitled The Conservation, Repair and Management of War Memorials published by Historic England in June 2015 and Conservation and Management of War Memorial Landscapes published by Historic England in January 2016. This guidance describes current best practice on the understanding, assessment, planning and implementation of conservation work to memorials as well as their on-going maintenance and protection. Guidance on external lighting schemes contained in External Lighting for Historic Buildings, published by English Heritage in April 2007 has also been taken into account.

1.4 Scope of this Heritage Statement The Heritage Statement outlines the relevant planning context and planning history for the application site. It then provides a summary of the proposed works. The next section presents the historical background to the site and its immediate surroundings. A separate archaeological desk based assessment by LP Heritage is submitted as part of the application therefore its contents are not covered here. The background history is followed by an assessment of which heritage assets in the vicinity of the cenotaph are likely to be affected by the proposed work. This is followed by an explanation of the heritage values and significance of those potentially affected assets. The document then makes an assessment

7 of the likely impact of the proposed works upon the significance of these historic assets. The Statement concludes with recommendations for imminent decision-making with regard to the long-term future of the historic built environment.

1.5 Additional Information Further information, not included here but submitted in separate documents as part of this application, and to be read in conjunction with this Heritage Statement includes: o Design and Access Statement o Plans and elevations o Outline Methodology for Dismantling and Re-Building of Stonework o Landscaping specification o Lighting specification o Archaeological Desk Based Assessment

1.6 Acknowledgements Thanks are due to Fay Newham at Ramboll UK Ltd. for supplying background information. Janice Hayes, Manager at Warrington Museum, has been generous in providing historic photographs and background information. Christine Carruthers at Warrington Borough Council also provided assistance, for which thanks are due.

8 2. Planning Context and Planning History

2.1 Designations The cenotaph was afforded statutory protection in August 2017 when it was added to the National Heritage List for England at Grade II. The listing includes the obelisk and immediate surrounding hard landscaping but excludes the adjacent flagpole.

Fig.3 Statutorily designated heritage assets within the vicinity of the application site.

A K4 telephone kiosk is located on the north side of the river and is listed at Grade II. Although largely obscured from the cenotaph by vegetation, there is partial inter-visibility between the telephone kiosk and the war memorial site in winter due to the sparse vegetation.

At the south end of Bridge Street is the Old Academy built circa 1757 for the training of candidates for the Non conformist ministry. Directly in front of the Academy stands a statue of Oliver Cromwell by the sculptor John Bell. The Academy and statue are both listed at Grade II.

9 2.2 Legislation The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act, 1990, places upon Local Planning Authorities a statutory duty to preserve the special character of designated heritage assets, including their setting. Section 66(1) states that in coming to decisions, Local Planning Authorities should refer to the principal act in their decisions: “In considering whether to grant planning permission for development which affects a listed building or its setting, the local planning authority or, as the case may be, the Secretary of State shall have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses.”

This identifies the need to give considerable weight and importance to that duty imposed and to a presumption in favour of the desirability of the preservation of heritage assets including their setting.

2.3 Conservation Area Status Under Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 it is deemed desirable to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area; this applies to areas within the designated zone and to sites that may affect the setting of a conservation area.

The cenotaph is located within the Bridge Street Conservation Area (see map below) first designated by Warrington Borough Council in 1980. The conservation area was extended in 1995 to include the former vaulted warehouse buildings at the rear of the Woolworth’s store in Sankey Street and to the east of the Cairo Street group. It was extended again in 1996 to include a group of properties facing the chapel on Cairo Street. An appraisal of the conservation was undertaken in 2006. Among the recommendations that arose as a result of the appraisal was the suggestion that the southern boundary of the conservation area at Bridge Foot be extended to include the war memorial site. This change was subsequently actioned.

Any proposed works to the cenotaph must demonstrate that they will preserve or enhance i) the character and appearance of the Bridge Street Conservation Area and ii) the ability for the significance of the conservation area to be appreciated and experienced.

Fig.4 The Bridge Street Conservation Area was first designated in 1980 then extended in 1995 and 1996. The conservation area boundary was further amended following the adoption of recommendations in the 2006 appraisal report (shown) and now includes the cenotaph site.

11 2.4 National Planning Policy Planning Guidance relating to heritage protection is given in Section 12 of the National Planning Policy Framework, or NPPF, (March 2012). This states in paragraph 131 that:

“In determining planning applications Local Planning Authorities should take account of: • the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets and putting them to viable uses consistent with their conservation. • the positive contribution that heritage assets can make to sustainable communities; and • the desirability of new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness.”

Paragraph 132 is relevant in stating that when considering proposals which impact upon the significance of a heritage asset, great weight should be given to the asset’s conservation including its setting.

Paragraph 134 requires that where a proposal leads to less than substantial harm to a designated asset (which includes its setting), this harm should be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal including securing its optimum viable use. This is relevant to this application.

Paragraph 135 is pertinent to this application and requires local planning authorities to take into account the effect of a proposal upon non-designated heritage assets.

2.5 Local Planning Policy The Warrington Local Plan Core Strategy was adopted by the council on 21 July 2014. The Local Plan Core Strategy is the overarching strategic policy document in the Local Planning Framework. It sets out the planning framework for guiding the location and level of development in the borough up to 2027.

Policy QE8 of the Warrington Local Plan Core Strategy sets out the council’s policies in relation to the Historic Environment. It states that ‘The Council will ensure that the fabric and setting of heritage assets, as set out below, are appropriately protected and enhanced in accordance with the principles set out in National Planning Policy’. The policy applies to all heritage assets including listed buildings, conservation areas, areas of archaeological interest and locally listed buildings.

12 In addition, ‘The Council and its partners will aim to recognise the significance and value of historic assets by identifying their positive influence on the character of the environment and an area's sense of place; their ability to contribute to economic activity and act as a catalyst for regeneration;’.

Importantly, Policy QE8 requires proposals to avoid ‘the unnecessary loss of and any decay to the historic fabric which once lost cannot be restored’. It also requires proposals to include suitable ‘mitigation measures, including an appropriate desk-based assessment and where necessary field evaluation and publication, for areas with known or potential archaeological interest’. These clauses are relevant to this application.

2.6 Local Listing Warrington Borough Council has identified elements of the historic built environment that are considered to be locally important; these are awarded the status of being local listed. The War Memorial itself is a locally listed building (1449249). The following locally listed assets will also potentially be affected by the proposal: o Warrington Bridge (13115) o Packet public house (13092) o 122-126 Bridge Street (13142)

Numerous additional locally listed assets on the east side of Bridge Street and to the south of the river have no inter-visibility with the application site and are unlikely to be affected by the proposal.

2.7 Supplementary Planning Guidance A Supplementary Planning Document for the Bridge Street area dates to 2009.

2.8 Planning History The cenotaph has not been the subject of any recent planning or listed building consent applications.

13 3. Outline of Proposed Works 3.1 This section summarises the works proposed by the application. Full details of the proposals are contained within a separate technical specifications document submitted as part of the application and are not replicated here.

A section of riverbank between Warrington Bridge and Warrington New Bridge has collapsed and additional continued slippage of the bank is almost certain. The boundary walls to the adjacent cenotaph and memorial gardens also appear to have been damaged, probably due to the movement of underlying sub-structure. In order to address these problems it is proposed that the affected section of riverbank requires reinstating behind sheet piled walling in order to support the ground on which the cenotaph is located.

EXISTING SHEET PILE WALL LANDOWNERSHIP BOUNDARY

PROPOSED EXTENT OF NEW SHEET PILE WALL A EXISTING BRICK WALL 02 APPROX 3000

APPROX 15600

APPROX 4800 2691

GROUND TO BE BUILT UP TO

1800 APPROX 100mm BELOW TOP OF MASS CONCRETE WALL A

GAP TO STONE FACE OF WALL

PROVISIONAL:REPLACE MASS CONCRETE RETAINING WALL IF CONDITION IS FOUND TO BE TOO POOR TO REUSE

PLAN 01

1: 150 00120

1. DO NOT SCALE FROM THIS DRAWING.

Fig.5 Proposed new section of sheet piled walling to retain riverbank behind2. ALL DIMENSIONS cenotaph. ARE IN MILLIMETRES U.N.O

3. ALL LEVELS ARE IN METRES ABOVE ORDNANCE DATUM U.N.O

4. THIS DRAWING IS TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ALL RELEVANT ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS DRAWINGS AND The proposed remedial work will require the use of a land-side crane sited SPECIFICATIONS. within the war memorial gardens. In order to do this it will be necessary to temporarily dismantle the

14/03 MG P01 PRELIMINARY FJN 2018 DR obelisk, its supporting steps and plinth, as well as the surrounding walls and hard By Rev Description Date App Chk WARRINGTON CENOTAPH PRELIMINARY landscaping. As part of the scheme the Council are taking the opportunityProject to No: improveScale (@A3): visualDrawn: Date:

tel 01224 652 200 fax 01224 652 244 [email protected] 1620003584 A/S MG 03/18 and physicalwww.ramboll.co.uk access to the cenotaphPROPOSED by the SHEET replacement PILING of side stepsDrawing with No: ramps. TheRev: 1620003584-RAM-XX-XX-DR-00120 P01 14/03/2018proposal 13:03:52 also includes an up-grading the provision of improved mountings for memorial wreaths and the installation of external lighting to the obelisk.

14 Key Existing

Reconstituted granite Vegetation concrete kerbs with 100mm upstand and external radius Waterbody units Proposed

900mm x 600mm x 75mm Natural stone paving Sandstone paving Reconstituted concrete paving R1250mm Reconstituted concrete kerb

Metal edging

Amenity grass

R1850mm Flowerbed Metal edging to grass

R10000mm

R1250mm

R1850mm

R1850mm R1850mm Ramp up to R1850mm higher level

Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of Her Majesty's Existing walling and steps Stationery Office.

Coloured asphalt such as Silver grey reconstituted Ulticolour Terracotta granite concrete paving such Rev Description Drawn Approved Date as Conservation paving. 450mm x 450mm x 50mm Post moved 400mm south to avoid kerb Existing step retained Genesis Centre, Birchwood Science Park, Warrington WA3 7BH Reconstituted granite Silver grey reconstituted Tel 01925 844004 e-mail [email protected] www.tep.uk.com R2850mm granite concrete kerb set concrete kerbs flush to Project asphalt surface with internal flush such as Conservation Warrington Cenotaph radius units kerb 255mm x 100mm Title General Arrangement TEP Drawing reference: D6740.001 Drawing Number WCW-TEP-11-00-DR-A-001 Rev P1

Drawn Checked Approved Scale Date AJG JTS GDA 1:200 @ A3 29/11/2017

Fig.6 Proposed hard and soft landscaping scheme for Warrington Cenotaph.

It is proposed that the work to the cenotaph will be completed between Remembrance Days to avoid disruption to the annual services and will start after Remembrance Day in 2018.

3.2 Recording Prior to the commencement of any works, the cenotaph structure will be fully recorded and surveyed to RCHME/HE Level 3 standard. This includes the production of metrically accurate plans and elevations of the monument as well as extensive and detailed photographic recording.

3.3 Outlined Schedule of Works o Compile a digital photographic record of the cenotaph, associated wall and surrounding hard landscaping including the rear cenotaph wall face. o Undertake a full metrically accurate survey of the monument in plan and elevation with the production of CAD-based record drawings of the monument. o Erect safety fencing around work area and establish site compound. o Collect mortar samples of original mortar and undertake off-site analysis. o Carefully dismantle cenotaph obelisk and associated walls using the non-invasive methodology (comprising on-site crane with lifting gear) as described in the

15 Outline Methodology for Dismantling and Re-Building of Stonework, providing temporary support as necessary. o Each component to be photographed and tagged using a unique referencing system based on technical record drawings. Labelling will be indelible on the unseen face of stonework. o Protect all components prior to removal off-site using bespoke crates if necessary. o Components to be temporarily stored in secure compound with CCTV for the duration of the works. Bronze plaques to be stored in secure office. o Cleaning of stonework off-site using non-invasive water-based DOFF system. o Excavate trial pits to foundations with archaeological watching brief carried out by appropriately qualified archaeological contractor. o Installation of sheet piling retaining wall along affected section of riverbank as detailed in accompanying documentation. o Installation of new drainage, electrical supply and foundations to cenotaph site. o Reconstruction of memorial gardens hard landscaping including cenotaph walls and replacement of steps with side ramps for improved access. Weathered or damaged stonework to be repaired/replaced using removed steps as indicated in stonework methodology; lime mortar to be used throughout. Coloured tarmac to be replaced with natural stone paving and reconstituted paving as per submitted landscaping plan. o Reinstatement of plinth and obelisk using on-site crane with lifting gear. o Stonework will be reinstated with addition of austentitic stainless steel dowls where necessary to improve stability of the monument. o Bronze work reinstated with existing patina. o Installation of new lighting system comprising four marine grade aluminium luminaires located in the ground surface next to the low wall surrounding the front and sides of the obelisk, as detailed in the submitted lighting specification. o Replacement of existing rusted wreath-fixing points on obelisk steps with similar but stainless steel fixing points (for securing removable 3mm Dyneema cord for attaching wreaths). o Installation of wreath-mounting rails/frames in front of low walling to each side of central cenotaph steps, free-standing but secured at base into hard landscaping. o All record photographs, record drawings and survey data to be provided to client and deposited in the Historic Environment Record.

16 3.4 Lighting Scheme The proposal includes a specification for the introduction of an external lighting scheme to the cenotaph site. The aim of the lighting scheme is to increase visual access to the heritage asset in the hours of darkness. The cenotaph is currently not highly visible at this time with the floodlighting associated with the A49/A5061 giving visual precedence to the traffic system.

It is therefore proposed to install four marine grade luminaires at the base of the low wall surrounding the obelisk; one facing the north-west elevation of the obelisk, one facing the south-east elevation and two facing the front (south-west) elevation.

Each unit measures 235mm in height and a maximum of 175mm in width mounted on a circular base measuring 100mm in diameter (see fig.7 above). They will be set on/under the new paving using a ‘planted root’ mounting allowing the light mounting to sit flush within the paving slab with the light fitting fixed on top above the slab. Mesh enclosures will be fitted over each luminaire to prevent movement of the spot-light head.

The result of the lighting scheme will be to illuminate the front and side faces of the obelisk with an upward beam of light, increasing its visibility and impact during the hours of darkness. Cabling for the electrical supply will be laid at the same time as the site is being excavated for improved drainage and foundations.

3.5 Wreath-mounting rails/frames Improvements to the current unsatisfactory provision for securing memorial wreaths will include a replacement of the existing rusted metal fixing points on the steps in front of the obelisk with stainless steel fixings to which Dyneema cord can be attached or removed as required.

The proposal also includes the principle of the installation of two vertical rails or frames to which memorial wreaths can be attached. The rails, which will allow wreaths to be more highly visible, will not project beyond either the height or width above of the cenotaph walling behind. The specific design of the rails is still to be agreed and may be conditioned as part of the consent.

17 3.6 Archaeology The cenotaph is located within the Warrington Area of Archaeological Potential as defined in the Cheshire Historic Towns Survey of 2003 1 . The 2003 survey and associated archaeological strategy act as a supplementary planning guide to ensure the sustainable management of the archaeological urban heritage. A desk-based archaeological assessment of the site has been undertaken, the results of which are included in this application. This report demonstrates that it must be assumed that the site has the potential to yield below ground archaeological remains. Mitigation measures will therefore be undertaken to address the issue of potential buried archaeology on the cenotaph site as well as to minimise the risk of impact from other aspects of the proposed works, as set out below.

1 Cheshire Historic Towns Survey: Warrington Archaeological Assessment, Cheshire County Council (2003)

18 4. Background History of the Application Site

4.1 Early settlement of the area There is no reason to suppose that the area now occupied by the town of Warrington would not have been attractive for early occupation with its low lying fertile ground, proximity to the nearby river and access to the western coastline. This was an important point for crossing the river by means of a ford. Neolithic tools and Bronze Age settlements have been recognised in the region2 but no known prehistoric finds are recorded in the immediate vicinity of the application site3. While the intensity of recent urban occupation makes it less likely that early finds will be present on the application site, their potential presence cannot be discounted.

By Roman times a settlement had grown up around the area where the river Mersey was at its lowest allowing the crossing of the river first by ford and later by bridge. This point would also have afforded a suitable place for boats to navigate, moor and access the coast providing growing opportunities for trade. While the Roman settlement at Wilderspool was probably a purely civilian settlement, there would, no doubt, have been activity on both sides of the river4. Finds suggest that the settlement was occupied from the end of the first century AD to the third century AD5 however occupation of the area continued through the Saxon period. A full archaeological report for the application site is submitted separately as part of the application therefore the information within it is not reproduced here.

4.2 The Middle Ages The place name occurs in Domesday (1086) as Walintune which suggests either the settlement of Waer’s people or a settlement at a weir. Warrington is subsequently recorded in the 12th century as Walintune and as Werington in 12466. By the Middle Ages Warrington had emerged as a vibrant regional market town with a growing tradition of textile and tool production. The historic town was centred on the area around St Elphin's Church

2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrington accessed September 2017 3 Cheshire Historic Environment Record 4 Archaeological Desk Based Assessment, LP Archaeology para 5.6 5 Cheshire Historic Environment Record references 435, 435/0/1, 435/0/6, 435/0/7 6 Cheshire Historic Towns Survey: Warrington Archaeological Assessment, Cheshire County Council (2003)

19 approximately 1km to the east of the present town centre, and to the north-east of the application site. The earliest reference to a bridge at Warrington dates to 12857.

4.3 Post-medieval The growth of Warrington from a regional market town was made possible, in part, when the navigable potential of the River Mersey to Bank Quay was improved in the late 17th century by a prominent local industrialist named Patten. This effectively linked Warrington with the developing port of Liverpool and to markets beyond. From early maps it is apparent that the application site is located at what was an important position adjacent to the river crossing and at the junction of thoroughfares to both Knutsford and Chester.

The Dunbavand map of 17728 shows a bridge with substantial cutwaters but no detail to the south of the river (Cheshire).

Fig.8 Dunbavand map of 1772.

Burdett’s map of 1777 is the first to show this area south of the river as developed as part of a wider area of what was probably industrial activity, shown in greater detail on Grappenall’s map of 1828. Excerpts from these maps are included in the archaeological assessment.

As Britain became more widely industrialised, Warrington embraced the Industrial Revolution becoming a manufacturing town and a centre of steel production, textiles, brewing, tanning

7 Lancashire: Liverpool and the South-West, Richard Pollard and Nikolaus Pevsner, 2006 8 Bridge Street Conservation Area Appraisal, Warrington Borough Council 2006

20 and chemical industries. With the age of steam the town grew in prosperity. A new means of transport and a source of power for its mills mean that Warrington grew rapidly during the 19th century. Sited on both the West Coast railway and the Liverpool to Manchester railway, the town was incorporated as a municipal borough in 1847 under the Municipal Corporations Act 1835. The Manchester Ship Canal, which cuts through the south of the borough (approximately 1km to the south of the application site), was constructed in 1887-94.

The Manorial Survey Map of 18269 below shows the application site to the south-east of the bridge with a substantial level of development.

Fig.9 Manorial Survey Map, 1826 (Warrington Libraries and Museum)

Early Ordnance Survey mapping (surveyed 1851, 1873 and 1877) similarly depicts the application area as heavily covered by units that are more commercial/industrial than residential in appearance. The site is shown below on the 1894 Ordnance Survey map (fig.10 below) as tightly developed, indeed the plot between Water Street and the river is crowded with buildings and their associated curtilage. These must have been cleared prior to work beginning on the new cenotaph.

9 Warrington Libraries and Museum.

Fig.10 Ordnance Survey map of 1894 showing pre-existing late 19th century development on the site of the proposed new cenotaph.

4.4 Warrington Bridge The course of the River Mersey has historically defined the northern edge of application site. The earliest reference to a bridge here dates to 1285 10 referring to a structure that presumably replaced a pre-existing fording point or ferry crossing. Warrington Bridge was replaced numerous times over the following centuries and was depicted on early maps from the 15th century (see also the accompanying archaeological assessment). It played a strategic role in a number of events of national historical significance especially during the English Civil War. The present bridge at Bridge Foot (the sixth on this site) was built in 1909- 5 by Alfred Thorne & Sons to a wide span arch design in reinforced concrete by the engineer John Webster11. It was completed as Europe was drawn into war.

4.5 First World War (1914-18) The First World War had devastating consequences for provincial communities far from the firing lines. Warrington alone records the loss of over one thousand individuals, the impact of which on this modestly sized town must have been profound. Amidst the and social and economic turmoil that followed the cessation of hostilities, the decision was made to publicly acknowledge the sacrifice made by the individuals who gave their lives during the war. While a temporary memorial was erected for the Peace Day celebrations in 1919 it was

10 Lancashire: Liverpool and the South-West, Richard Pollard and Nikolaus Pevsner, 2006 p.615 11 Lancashire: Liverpool and the South-West, Richard Pollard and Nikolaus Pevsner, 2006 p.615

22 acknowledged that a more permanent marker was needed. At this time, the Royal Academy organised a ‘War Memorial Exhibition’ which provided advice for those who wished to erect a memorial as well as providing a catalogue with suggested designs. No national funding was available though for local and civic memorials12.

4.6 Warrington Cenotaph Warrington Borough Council established a Memorial Committee in 1921 to find a solution to this issue. A decision was eventually reached in May 1924 at which time plans for a permanent memorial were approved13 for a cenotaph located by the river at the southern approach to Warrington Bridge.

A letter dated 24 June 1924 written from the Borough Surveyor, Mr Andrew Ker, to the mayor contains a description of Mr Ker’s proposed design; the letter is included in the appendices to this heritage statement. Mr Ker suggested that this site could accommodate a large number of people at commemorative services. The choice of site also anticipated the creation of a new road at the junction of Wilderspool Causeway and Chester Road the elevated position of which, he anticipated, would provide a commanding view of the new memorial.

Mr Ker also anticipated that this growing business quarter of the town would only become busier in terms of passers by consequently he suggested that this choice of site would be visible to a high number of people. Rather prophetically, he stated that “the walls of the river are somewhat dilapidated and may require attention and rebuilding in the future”. Ker also proposed the screening of buildings in the background by the inclusion of a planted backdrop.

12 The Conservation, Repair and Management of War Memorials’, March 2014 p.6-7

13 List Summary for Warrington Cenotaph, Historic England (entry no. 1449249)

Fig.11 Design proposal for the Warrington Cenotaph (Warrington Museum Archives)

The memorial itself was to be constructed from granite in the form of an obelisk, one which Ker argued “has, from the earliest known ages, been used as a memorial set up in honour of the gods and the great dead”. It was to be elevated – approached up a low flight of steps – and to bear the insigne of an inverted cross of sacrifice by which the cenotaph would “be made symbolical of Christianity, for the upholding of the principles of which, those who fell,

24 gave their lives”. The immediate vicinity of the memorial was to hard-landscaped in York stone flags alleviated with the addition of areas of grass and flowerbeds. The whole, Ker estimated, could be completed for the sum of around £3,500.

Fig.12 Visual representation of the proposed cenotaph (Warrington Museum Archives)

Ker’s proposal was evidently accepted and the cenotaph was finally unveiled in November 1925. The tall granite obelisk stands on a raised cruciform-shaped plinth approached via a low flight of steps. The inverted sword of sacrifice is affixed to the front face of the obelisk along with an inscribed panel that reads: “To Our Glorious Dead”.

Fig.13 Ordnance Survey map of 1927-8 showing the site cleared and the cenotaph constructed.

Fig.14 Warrington cenotaph stands on a raised plinth, view looking north-east.

Fig.15 A curvilinear wall defines the rear of the cenotaph site and bears bronze memorial plaques to those lost in 20th century and early 21st century conflicts.

26 The tall granite obelisk is mounted on a cruciform-shaped plinth on a single-stepped base. The plinth has a moulded cap and foot with a carved decorative band near the top with acanthus motifs at the corners. The obelisk itself has a moulded foot and a band carved with Greek key motif. The front (south-west) face of the obelisk bears an inverted bronze sword below a decorative band with carved fan detailing. An inscription beneath reads “To our glorious dead”.

A curved retaining wall behind the obelisk (fig.15) defines the eastern extent of the cenotaph. A bronze plaque on the wall commemorates the names of 1,161 individuals, former residents of Warrington who were lost during the First World War. This wall with square corner piers and flat stone copings is highest in the centre stepping down to the flanking sections. It has been suggested14 that the wall (and presumably, therefore, the plaque also) were added to the cenotaph at a later date, however, the wall appears to have been constructed by 1927 as it is shown on the Ordnance Survey map of this date. It is also clearly visible on an aerial photograph of the site taken in 1928.

Fig.16 Aerial view of the cenotaph in 1928 prior to the construction of the second bridge. The landscaping and curved retaining wall appear to have been completed by this date.

14 List Summary for Warrington Cenotaph, Historic England (entry no. 1449249)

27 Another wall line is visible on this aerial photograph extending from the retaining wall supporting the cenotaph area to a building (now demolished). Remnants of this wall are visible on site where the riverbank is collapsing.

Fig.17 Back face of rear cenotaph wall converging with the retaining river bank wall visible on the 1928 aerial photograph. The point of collapse is clearly visible where land has given way leaving only water below.

Further bronze plaques have been added to the cenotaph to commemorate those lost in subsequent conflicts. These include 435 servicemen and 22 civilians lost during the Second World War, 1 individual lost during the conflict in Palestine (1918-48), 3 during the Northern Ireland conflict (1969-98), and 1 lost during the war in Iraq (2003-11).

It is not entirely evident to what extent Ker’s proposed landscaping was executed. The drawings of the proposed memorial both show the cenotaph standing in front of a backdrop of elegant cypress trees, however, such a planting scheme is not clearly depicted on either the Ordnance Survey map or the aerial photograph and it may be the case that this vision was never realised. The cenotaph is shown on the 1963 Ordnance Survey map with trees behind it, but these may equally be an area of self-seeded specimens rather than deliberate

28 planting. From the Ordnance Survey mapping it appears that the basic layout of the landscaping scheme has not changed significantly since its construction.

Fig.18 The cenotaph site in 1963 shown on an Ordnance Survey map of this date with trees in the background.

4.7 A second bridge, Warrington New Bridge, was built immediately to the east of the war memorial site in the mid 1980s. At this time the southern side of the cenotaph became defined by a busy circular road at the junction of the A49 and A5061.

4.8 The cenotaph was afforded statutory protection when it was listed in August 2017. The listing includes the obelisk and surrounding hard landscaping but excludes the adjacent flagpole.

29 5. Identification of Heritage Assets potentially affected by the Proposal

5.1 The first step in assessing the likely impact of a proposal is to identify which heritage assets are potentially going to be affected. To do this, each asset is considered in relation to the scheme in terms of the ‘Zone of Visual Influence’ (i.e. the places from which a development would potentially be totally or partially visible) and the ‘Zone of Theoretical Visibility’ (i.e. as above but not taking into account non-permanent features such as trees and buildings).

Since the area surrounding the cenotaph largely contains either open space (with the exception of vegetation) or protected structures (either nationally or locally listed buildings), the Zone of Visual Influence assessment model is deemed most appropriate. Potentially affected assets are set out in the table below. Other heritage assets, such as The Royal Oak public house located off Bridge Street circa 150 metres north of the site, are considered to be too distant to realistically be affected either visually or by other means outside the zones of influence or visibility.

This model only examines the potential visual impact of the scheme. Other aspects, such as sounds, smells, vibrations and experiential sense of exposure or enclosure may also be relevant.

5.2 Heritage Asset Assessment of zone of influence/visibility Warrington Cenotaph The cenotaph obelisk, flanking walls and steps and Grade II listed (1449249) surrounding landscaping will all be directly affected by the proposal. Warrington Bridge The bridge is adjacent to the cenotaph site and there is Locally listed (13115) visual continuity between its balustrade and the cenotaph wall.

While the fabric of the bridge will not be directly affected by the works it is very much in the zone of influence of the scheme. K4 telephone kiosk There is very limited seasonal inter-visibility between the Grade II listed (1139380) K4 kiosk and the cenotaph site due to intervening vegetation.

The asset does not fully fall within the zone of influence of the scheme. Old Academy The Old Academy located at the south end of Bridge Grade II listed (1139416) Street is not far from the cenotaph site and there are no buildings inbetween the two assets.

Traffic signage between the assets means that there is very limited inter-visibility and the asset. Statue of Oliver Cromwell The Oliver Cromwell Statue located at the south end of Grade II listed (1139417) Bridge Street is not far from the cenotaph site and there are no buildings inbetween the two assets.

Traffic signage between the assets means that there is very limited inter-visibility.

Packet public house The Packet public house at the south end of Bridge Locally listed (13092) Street stands on the opposite side of the River Mersey to the application site.

It lies within the zone of influence of the application site and will be considered as part of the conservation area. 122-126 Bridge Street Inter-visibility between this asset and the application site Locally listed (13142) is too limited to fall within the proposal’s zone of influence. It could be said to lie within the zone of theoretical visibility but the protected nature of the intervening built environment makes its removal unlikely. Potential buried archaeology The accompanying archaeological desk based assessment has indicated the potential for buried

32 archaeological remains on the site. If present, these will potentially be affected by the proposal. Bridge Street Conservation Area The cenotaph site lies within the Bridge Street Conservation Area; the scheme will potentially affect the character and/or appearance of the conservation area.

5.3 In summary, the proposal will potentially have: o a direct impact on the cenotaph itself; o some impact on Warrington Bridge; o some impact on the Bridge Street Conservation Area. The nature and extent of this possible impact will be examined in the following section.

33 6. Significance of the Heritage Assets

6.1 Significance The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) defines significance as: “The value of a heritage asset to this and future generations because of its heritage interest. That interest may be archaeological, architectural, artistic or historic. Significance derives not only from a heritage asset's physical presence, but also from its setting”.15

Similarly, Historic England defines significance as “The sum of the cultural and natural heritage values of a place”16 In ‘Conservation Principles’ Historic England refer to a slightly varied set of heritage values: • Historical value – derives from the ways in which past people, events and aspects of life can be connected through a place to the present. It tends to be illustrative (i.e. illustrating aspects of history or prehistory) or associative (i.e. having association with a notable family, person, event or movement). This broadly equates with the NPPF Historic value. • Evidential value – derived from physical remains and their the potential of a place to yield evidence about past human activity. The ability to interpret and understand evidence tend to be diminished in proportion to the extent of its removal or replacement. This broadly equates with the NPPF Archaeological value - the physical evidence and potential for information embodied in the asset both above ground (i.e. standing structures) and below (i.e. buried archaeological remains). • Aesthetic – derived from the ways in which people draw sensory and intellectual stimulation from a place. This can be the result of conscious design or seemingly fortuitous. This equates with the NPPF Artistic value.

Conservation Principles then identifies a fourth, slightly different value: that of Communal value – derived from the meaning(s) of a place for the people who relate to it, have emotional links to it, or draw part of their identity from it.

The final NPPF value, Architectural value (i.e. how an asset demonstrates building type, form or style including traditional, innovative or unusual techniques or materials), has no

15 Annex 2: Glossary, National Planning Policy Framework, Department of Communities and Local Government, 2012. 16 Conservation Principles, English Heritage, 2008 p72

34 direct correlation in Conservation Principles but most closely equates to the Historical Illustrative value.

6.2 Setting as part of Significance A further aspect, that of ‘setting’, has also been identified as important in considering impact upon a heritage asset. The term ‘setting’ is defined by the NPPF17 as follows: ‘the setting of a heritage asset is the surroundings in which a heritage asset is experienced. Its extent is not fixed and may change as the asset and its surroundings evolve.’ The setting of a heritage asset may be considered to include only the area immediately surrounding the asset or it may be extensive. It may include important views to and from the asset but may also include non-visual aspects such as smells, sounds or a feeling of enclosure/exposure that contribute to the character of the asset and the experience it invokes. The physical structure of a war memorial is fundamental to its role in commemorative events and within the community but its setting plays an important, and occasionally dominant, role in determining its significance18.

Whichever definition of value is used it is agreed that it is the sum of these values, derived both from a heritage asset’s physical presence and from its setting, that is collectively referred to as its significance.

As applications to Local Planning Authorities are considered with regard to the National Planning Policy Framework which requires asset(s) that are the subject of applications for change to be understood and described in terms of those values, the NPPF value categories will be used here. However, in the case of the Warrington Cenotaph, the aspect of communal value is of exceptionally high importance, therefore the likely impact of the proposed works on the assets’ communal value will also be considered in this Heritage Statement.

6.3 Significance of the Warrington Cenotaph

Historic value The historic value of the Warrington Cenotaph is exceptionally high. It is profoundly and poignantly associated with major world events by commemorating the suffering and sacrifice brought by both World War I and II, by the troubles in Northern Ireland as well as by wars in

17 NPPF Annex 2: Glossary and in The Setting of Heritage Assets: Historic Environment Good Practice Advice in Planning: 3 2017 p2. 18 The Conservation, Repair and Management of War Memorials’, March 2014 p.14

35 Palestine and Iraq. It is also of historic significance in terms of illustrating the way in which the people of a provincial town have responded to those conflicts through their Council and have been moved to commemorate the individuals affected.

As set out in Andrew Ker’s letter of June 1924, the location of the cenotaph was carefully considered. It was chosen in the context of a town that was developing both economically and architecturally and anticipated the introduction of a growing road network. The site itself is therefore demonstrates the social values and priorities in a time of change and growth in Warrington when the site was cleared of industrial buildings and dedicated to the memorial.

The monument is also of value in terms of its association with Andrew Ker himself. While holding the official title of Borough Surveyor, Mr Ker’s remit evidently extended beyond the task of surveying to a role more akin to Borough Architect. While his letter sets out the thinking his design for the Cenotaph, he was also involved in more far-reaching changes in post-war Warrington. Following the national election of 1918, the government pledge to provide “homes fit for heroes”19 who had returned from the war. As a result, the 1919 Housing Act compelled local councils to provide good quality housing for the working classes. Warrington Council was one of the few councils to take advantage of the government loans made available to address the problem of slum housing. Andrew Ker was responsible for producing progressive designs for housing such as the Bewsey Garden Suburbs which were opened in 1927. Ker’s housing schemes embodied a belief in the power of the environment to combat prevailing social problems and included recreational areas for bowling, tennis and children’s playgrounds. The cenotaph therefore has historic value in terms of its association with a man who had an influence in the development and improvement of post-war Warrington that extended far beyond the memorial itself.

Archaeological Value Most pre-20th century stratigraphy in the immediate vicinity of the cenotaph will have been subjected to disturbance during the construction of the hard standing, the foundations for the obelisk and retaining wall, and during any subsequent works. However, the possibility of in situ buried archaeological remains relating to an earlier occupation of the site surviving below the disturbed stratigraphy cannot be discounted.

The cenotaph structure also possesses the potential for above-ground archaeological value. This is in terms of evidence for construction techniques and the materials contained within its

19 Warrington and the Great War, Janice Hayes Stroud 2015

36 physical form as well as the techniques and materials used in any later repairs or maintenance (such as different mortar types).

Architectural Value There is an astonishing range of different war memorials across the United Kingdom, including gardens, locomotives, trees, drinking fountains, and even complete streets20. The Warrington Cenotaph falls into the most commonly seen category of monument that includes plaques, crosses, obelisks, cenotaphs, sculpture, arches and lych-gates.

Despite this lack of rarity, the Warrington Cenotaph is by no means without architectural value. Its form and proportions are well executed and it represents a good example of this type of memorial. The obelisk is formed of granite, the most common form of igneous rock found in Britain, and while its coarse grain renders this type of stone unsuitable for fine carving its dense and durable nature make it particularly appropriate for monolithic structures such as the cenotaph. Sourced mainly in Devon, Cornwall and Scotland, the granite for the Warrington cenotaph must have been imported some distance for the project; the colour of the stone suggests a southern provenance.

Artistic Value The simple stone obelisk surrounded by hard landscaping is austere but has a solemn aesthetic quality. The proximity of the monument to a busy circular road is detrimental to its ability to be appreciated as a place of quiet contemplation.

Communal Value It was government policy not to repatriate the dead but instead to create war cemeteries on or near the battlefield. Communities at home, however, also wished for a physical place in which they could express their grief and perform their own acts of remembrance. The result was the vast number of war memorial sites that were constructed throughout the towns and villages of Great Britain.

But the significance of a memorial is embodied not only in its physical material and setting. The meaning a memorial has for people comes largely through its personal use, its associations and as a means of social commemoration21. The Warrington Cenotaph is highly visible to a great many people on a daily basis. Remembrance services are well attended and it is important for people to see the many wreaths that are laid at the site displayed.

20 The Conservation, Repair and Management of War Memorials’, March 2014 p.1 21 The Conservation, Repair and Management of War Memorials’, March 2014 p.45

Fig.19 (above ) and fig.20 (below) Remembrance Day services at Warrington Cenotaph

Setting The Warrington Cenotaph is a highly visible feature within the town and is an important focus for both personal remembrance and communal commemorative services. The location of the cenotaph was carefully considered at the time of its construction, however, the area around the cenotaph has subsequently evolved, most notably with the introduction of Warrington New Bridge and the busy circular road. The site cannot be said to provide a place of quiet contemplation but it was never designed as such, and the monument is authentically sited in its original position. It is not clear to what extent Ker’s landscaping plan was completed but the existing soft landscaping – the backdrop of vegetation – no longer resembles the proposed screen of noble cypress trees.

38 Instead the cenotaph stands in front of an area of self-seeded tress and shrubs that is detrimental to the monument in terms of setting. Floodlighting introduced as part of the surrounding road scheme competes with the monument for visual dominance and is detrimental to the cenotaph’s setting. Beyond the memorial garden the surroundings are a mixture of industrial, retail and transport-based uses in an area that is not particularly pedestrian friendly.

Fig.21 The cenotaph has a backdrop of low self-seeded trees and shrubs and competes visually with floodlights provided for the circular road.

In order to understand the relative significance of the various components of the heritage asset affected by this application, significance has been attributed a high, medium or low value. In some instances a negative value may be given to denote elements that are considered detrimental to the character, appearance or setting of the heritage asset; this has been set out in a table below:

39 Level of Significance Aspect of the Heritage Asset High Location of the cenotaph, gardens and memorial wreaths in a highly visible, accessible position.

Proportion, form and scale of the monument.

Relationship of the component parts of the cenotaph to each other as forming a coherent structure.

Engraved inscription and bronze plaques bearing the names of those lost in the conflicts.

Potentially, any surviving in situ buried archaeological remains on site. Medium Location of the cenotaph in its original position. Low - Negative The presence of vehicular traffic is detrimental to the setting of the cenotaph and makes services logistically difficult to hold. However, it does ensure the high and regular visibility of the monument to a large number of people.

Dominance at night of flood-lighting associated with the circular road system.

6.4 Significance of the Bridge Street Conservation Area The conservation area is based upon the town’s principal traditional shopping thorough-fares - Bridge Street and Sankey Street - and their intersection at Market Gate. It includes a variety of mainly 19th and early 20th century purpose designed commercial buildings, many of which are a feature of the widening of Bridge Street at this time and form a unified group.

40 The west side of Bridge Street is particularly noteworthy for its consistency of scale and robust elevational modeling. Buildings along the frontage exhibit a wealth of detail and ostentation rare outside the largest towns or cities in the region. The east side shows more variation in architectural style but also contains many buildings dating from the late Victorian and Edwardian era. These factors give the street a strong and legible visual identity.

Nationally listed buildings account for over one third of the frontages of Bridge Street. A number of buildings here are also included on the Council’s list of buildings of local importance. Together they account for about two thirds of the building frontages on Bridge Street.

The buildings and street patterns, the spaces and sense of space within the conservation area evidently have a significant level heritage value – in historic, architectural and artistic terms. Together these contribute to the character and appearance of the conservation area.

Bridge Street falls within the Warrington Area of Archaeological Potential as defined in the Cheshire Historic Towns Survey of 200322. In addition to the buildings and paved surfaces having above-ground archaeological potential, there is also the possibility for buried archaeological remains to survive within the conservation area.

In relation to views, the subtle curvature of all the streets within the Conservation Area provides interesting serial views, notably south along Bridge Street. The long vista here towards Warrington Bridge is identified as an important view out of the conservation area.

22 Cheshire Historic Towns Survey: Warrington Archaeological Assessment, Cheshire County Council (2003)

41 7. Assessment of the Potential Impact of the Proposed Works on the Significance of the Heritage Assets

7.1 The current application is an unusual one in terms of assessing its impact on the historic built environment because the proposal largely seeks to temporarily dismantle the cenotaph and then to reinstate it once the riverbank reconstruction works have been completed. The granite obelisk, its plinth and the cenotaph walling will all be retained. In this sense, notwithstanding the period during which the works are actually being undertaken, there should be little appreciable impact upon nearby heritage assets.

Some changes are being proposed, however, and the likely affect of these on the historic environment must be assessed. These include: o the introduction of a sheet pile retaining wall along the riverside adjacent to the cenotaph (as shown in detail on the plans accompanying this application); o the removal of original mortar and any later cementitious mortar repairs and their replacement with lime mortar; o patch repairs to damaged stonework on a like-for-like basis; o the replacement of side steps with a ramp for improved access; o the replacement of tarmac with reconstituted granite paving; o the introduction of an external lighting scheme to illuminate the obelisk.

7.2 Impact on the Significance of the Warrington Cenotaph Historic value: There will be no impact upon the historic value of the cenotaph; its illustrative and associative elements will remain unchanged.

Archaeological value: There will be some impact on the archaeological value of the monument as a result of dismantling the obelisk and associated walls and ground surfaces. Any surviving original mortar will be lost along with evidence for any later repairs. However, the removal of later cementitious mortar repairs and their replacement with lime mortar is considered to represent a considerable benefit and one that will reduce the risk of future damage to the monument’s stonework. On balance, therefore this is considered to be acceptable.

There is the potential for disturbance of any buried archaeological remains on the cenotaph site. Although some level of disturbance will already have taken place during the construction of the memorial, the proposed improvement of the drainage and foundations along with the

42 installation of electrical supply with require excavation to a deeper level. The installation of the sheet pile retaining wall will also be archaeologically invasive. It is expected that mitigation measures will therefore be conditioned in the form of a watching brief undertaken by a suitably qualified archaeological contractor during excavation works.

Architectural value: Some change is anticipated to the architectural value of the monument as a result of the proposed works. Steps on the south side of the obelisk that were part of the original design will be replaced by an access ramp. This change is relatively slight and is deemed to be a benefit in terms of the improved physical access to be offered to the heritage asset. The replacement of cementitious mortar with lime mortar will improve the architectural performance of the site and reduce the risk of future damage to the stonework.

The introduction of lighting will highlight the cenotaph during the hours of darkness, increasing visual access to the asset, reinstating its visual dominance in the context of the surrounding road scheme. Four marine grade spot-lights set around the surrounding wall will be directed up at the front and side faces of the obelisk to cast a simple diminishing beam of light up each face. The proposed lighting scheme takes account of Historic England’s advice contained in within the guidance document on external lighting for historic structures23 as well as in The Conservation, Repair and Management of War Memorials.

Proposed Luminaire

Fig.22 Anticipated effect of the proposed lighting scheme upon the obelisk of the Warrington

Cenotaph. By Rev Description Date App WARRINGTON CENOTAPH Chk PRELIMINARY Project No: Scale (@A3): Drawn: Date: ELECTRICAL SERVICES 1620003584 1:200 NC 6.3.18 23 Externaltel 01224 652 200Lighting fax 01224 for 652 244Historic [email protected] Buildings, English Heritage April 2007 www.ramboll.co.uk LIGHTINGPROPOSED VISUAL REPRESENTATIONSERVICES Drawing No: Rev: RAM-XX-XX-DR-E-009001 P01 06/03/2018 14:30:40 43 The installation of each luminaire will necessitate some intervention into the reinstated stonework. This will be kept to the minimum possible to allow the fixing of each spot-light. Attachment will be made where possible to mortar rather than to stone.

The installation of railings to which wreaths can be attached will not require intervention into stonework; the rails will be free-standing and secured at the base into the reconstituted paving slabs. The proposed lighting and rails will both result in some change to the appearance of the monument surroundings but it is suggested that this change is acceptable being offset by the public benefits of the wreaths being displayed tidily and by the cenotaph being sensitively illuminated at night, both of which enhance the ability of people to appreciate the significance of the cenotaph.

Artistic value: This will actually be improved as a result of the proposed scheme. The cenotaph stonework will be cleaned and repaired where necessary using an appropriately sourced stone. There is the potential for the planted backdrop to the cenotaph site to be improved with the replacement of self-seeded trees with a planting scheme that is more in keeping with Ker’s original design. The lighting scheme will enhance the monument during the hours of darkness, increasing the opportunity for it to be appreciated.

Setting: This aspect of the cenotaph will also be improved. Patched and uneven tarmac will be replaced with slabs of reconstituted granite concrete paving. There is potential for the vegetation to the rear of the cenotaph to be improved and more in line with original design. The improved visual and physical access will present an enhanced opportunity for the significance of the monument to be appreciated.

7.3 Impact on the Significance of the Bridge Street Conservation Area The removal of the cenotaph will have a huge impact on the southern end of the Bridge Street Conservation Area but the proposal is for its temporary removal. Once reinstated, the like-for-like structure should have no impact on the area’s character or appearance. The qualities for which the area is principally designated – the scale and robust elevational modeling of Bridge Street, the wealth and variation of architectural detail will not be affected. Similarly, the principal view south down Bridge Street will ultimately be unchanged.

The cleaning and repair of the cenotaph, including stone repairs, the replacement of cement mortar with lime mortar, and the up-grading of surface materials are expected to have a beneficial impact on the area. It is not expected that the replacement of the step with an access ramp will have any appreciable impact on the area.

44 The proposed external lighting scheme will, it is expected, have a significantly beneficial impact on the conservation area. The cenotaph will be more highly visible at night, reducing the threat of anti-social behaviour within the memorial garden. The War Memorial is visually strongly related to the southern edge of the town centre at Bridgefoot, however, the cenotaph has been physically isolated by the evolution of the busy road scheme. The lighting scheme will give a strong visual cue that the monument is a valued and relevant part of the town.

Fig.23 The south riverbank adjacent to the cenotaph and site of the wall collapse.

The installation of the sheet pile retaining wall along the riverbank adjacent to the cenotaph will have an impact upon the appearance of this part of the conservation area. The wall collapse was accidental, though, and has not left an attractive section of natural riverside on the south side of the Mersey. Tight bends in the river here clearly result in river currents having an eroding effect on the riverbank. The riverbank to the east of the application site is already supported by sheet piling, as is the riverbank on the north side opposite.

Fig.24 The north riverbank opposite the cenotaph is already supported with sheet piling.

Fig.25 View of cenotaph and south bank from Warrington Bridge.

46 The proposed sheet pile section will only be visible from one point on the north bank that lies outside the conservation area. It will not have a direct impact upon the historic walling associated with the cenotaph and Warrington Bridge, and it will not be unduly obtrusive in views of the cenotaph and river from Warrington Bridge (above). While not attractive, the sheet piling does perform a very functional and necessary role in retaining the bank and preventing further collapse. If not installed, it is possible that the monument will suffer on- going subsidence and for its heritage values and significance to be severely compromised as a result.

7.4 Mitigation The monument and its immediate surroundings are being fully recorded to RCHME Level 3 prior to the commencement of any work and the resulting documentation deposited in the Historic Environment Record.

It is recognised that any archaeological remains in these areas will be disturbed by the proposed trial pits and that the Cheshire Archaeology Planning Advisory Service are likely to recommend a limited programme of archaeological mitigation. It is therefore proposed that this will take the form of an archaeological watching brief during the works to identify and record any archaeological deposits that may be present. The watching brief will be carried out by a suitably qualified archaeological contractor in line with current guidance by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIFA)24. A report of the findings will be produced for archival deposition in the Historic Environment Record in line with current CIFA guidance.

Specialist engineering advice has been sought regarding the options for the safe and non- invasive lifting, removal and transportation of the stonework. All elements of the monument stone work and bronze work will be recorded in situ, labelled and reinstated in their original position (with the exception of the proposed changes).

The War Memorial balustrade forms a continuation of the bridge balustrade; care will therefore be needed when disengaging the wall memorial section from that associated with the bridge.

24 Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIFA), 2014b: Standard and guidance for the creation, compilation, transfer and deposition of archaeological archives, and 2014c: Code of Conduct.

47 8. Conclusion The proposed scheme essentially comprises the temporary dis-assembly and reinstatement of the Warrington Cenotaph with some minor alterations. These changes are intended to improve the monument, its appearance, and the ability for people to appreciate this heritage asset. One major change – and, indeed, the principal reason for the works being undertaken – is the installation of sheet piling to support the riverbank adjacent to the cenotaph and to prevent any further (potentially catastrophic) collapse in future. The opportunity is also being taken to include some further potential benefits including ramp access to the cenotaph, improved provision for securing memorial wreaths, and an external lighting scheme.

The likely impact of these works on the Grade II listed cenotaph and on the Bridge Street Conservation Area have been explored in terms of their affect upon the heritage values that contribute to the assets’ significance.

It has been explained that there will be some impact on the significance and setting of the war memorial and conservation area. This is considered to be less than substantial harm and as such, in accordance with paragraph 134 of the NPPF, should be weighed against any public benefits offered by the scheme, including securing the asset’s optimum viable use. Clearly, the continued use of the cenotaph as a public place of commemoration is its optimum use, therefore, every effort should be made to secure this. Failure to install the sheet pile wall will potentially result in further collapse and compromise both the cenotaph and conservation area. Measures have been suggested to mitigate the impact upon potential buried archaeological remains and on the cenotaph itself.

The proposed works appear to comply with Section 12 of the NPPF and policy QE8 of the Warrington Local Plan Core Strategy as well as national conservation guidance and standards on the repair and restoration of war memorials. As such, the proposed works are considered to be acceptable as part of a scheme that will result in a very limited level of change to the Grade II listed structure and which will help to secure its long-term future. It is therefore suggested that it would not be contrary to national or local planning policy for planning permission and listed building consent for the proposed works be granted.

48 Appendix 1 Sources

Archival Resources Heritage Gateway http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway accessed 10/01/18

Historic England Archives, Historic England, Swindon accessed 08/01/18 National Heritage List for England at www.historicengland.org.uk Historic England Archive at https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/archive/ https://britainfromabove.org.uk/ accessed 09/01/18 http://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/buildingStones/StrategicStoneStudy/EH_project.html accessed 10/01/18

Warrington Museum and Art Gallery

Warrington Library and Archives

Cheshire Historic Environment Record Cheshire Historic Environment Record at http://www.cheshirearchaeology.org.uk accessed 09/01/18

Imperial War Museums War Memorials Register accessed 14/01/18 http://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/18154

War Memorials Trust http://www.warmemorials.org/

Published Sources The Buildings of England: South Lancashire Nikolaus Pevsner, Alec Clifton-Taylor, Derek Simpson and Barry Cunliffe (1969)

Unpublished Sources

49 Warrington Museum and Art Gallery: BWP/PR/TBS-ALBS-49d Warrington Museum, "Warrington War Memorial Unveiled". Collage or mock-up photo to show intended layout, birtles Studio c1919-20.

Museum and Art Gallery: BWP/PR/MISC/5.95-96 Photograph of two architects' drawings of a design for Warrington Cenotaph. Historic England Guidance The Conservation, Repair and Management of War Memorials, June 2015 Conservation and Management of War Memorial Landscapes, January 2016. External lighting for historic buildings, April 2007. The Setting of Heritage Assets, Historic Environment Good Practice Advice in Planning Note 3 (second edition) December 2017. Conservation Area Designation, Appraisal and Management Historic England Advice Note 1, February 2016.

Map resources Saxton map of Cheshire 1577 Speed map of Cheshire 1610 Dunbavand map of Lancashire 1772 Manorial Survey Map, 1826 (Warrington Libraries and Museum) Ordnance Survey County Series 1:10,560 (1851) Ordnance Survey (1873) Ordnance Survey (1877) Ordnance Survey 1:500 (1890) Ordnance Survey (1894) Ordnance Survey 1:2,500 (1907) Ordnance Survey (1927)

50 Appendix 2 National Heritage List Summaries

1. Warrington Cenotaph List Entry Summary

List entry Number: 1449249

Grade: II

Date first listed: 15-Aug-2017

Summary of Building

First World War memorial, unveiled November 1925 to the designs of borough surveyor Andrew Kerr, with additions for later conflicts.

Reasons for Designation

Warrington Cenotaph, which is situated at the junction of Wilderspool Causeway and Knutsford Road, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:

Historic interest: * As an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on this local community, and the sacrifice it has made in the conflicts of the C20;

Architectural interest: * An elegant war memorial ensemble featuring a well-executed central obelisk framed by the screen wall with bronze dedicatory plaques.

History

The aftermath of the First World War saw the biggest single wave of public commemoration ever with tens of thousands of memorials erected across England. This was the result of both the huge impact on communities of the loss of three quarters of a million British lives, and also the official policy of not repatriating the dead which meant that the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss. One such memorial was raised at Warrington as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.

A temporary war memorial was erected in Warrington for the Peace Day Celebrations in August 1919. Warrington Borough Council subsequently set up a war memorial committee in 1921 with the purpose of erecting a more permanent memorial; however, disagreements over the location of the memorial and a financial crisis meant a decision was delayed until May 1924 when plans were finally approved. The memorial was to the designs of the borough surveyor Andrew Kerr and consisted of an obelisk within an area of hard landscaping. It was unveiled in November 1925.

A screen wall was erected to the rear of the obelisk at a later date carrying bronze plaques with the names of the 1,161 local servicemen who died during the First World War. A further dedication was added commemorating the 435 local servicemen and 22 civilians who died during the Second World War.

Details of those who died in later conflicts have also been added over subsequent years.

51 Details

First World War memorial, 1925, with additions for later conflicts.

MATERIALS: stone, bronze.

DESCRIPTION: Warrington Cenotaph is located at the junction of Wilderspool Causeway and Knutsford Road, with the river Mersey forming the northern boundary of the site.

It takes the form of a tall, stone obelisk rising from a cruciform-shaped plinth on a single-step base. Affixed to the front (south-west) face of the obelisk is an inverted bronze sword of sacrifice, which is situated below a decorative band with carved fan detail. The obelisk has a moulded foot and a band carved with Greek key motif to the base. The plinth has a moulded cap and foot with a carved, decorative band near the top with acanthus motifs to the corners. Inset to the front (south-west) face is a fielded panel with the inscription carved in relief, reading TO OUR/ GLORIOUS/ DEAD. The whole is set upon a raised stone platform.

To the rear of the obelisk is a curved, stone screen wall with flat stone copings and square corner piers: the central section is taller with the flanking sections stepping down in height. Affixed to the walls are bronze plaques with the names of the fallen and dedicatory inscriptions in raised lettering. Each plaque has a decorative frame and carries the inscription within a fielded panel. The central plaque reads: THIS TABLET ENSHRINES THE HONOURED NAMES OF WARRINGTON MEN/ WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE FOR THEIR COUNTRY 1914-1918. The names of the 1,161 who died are listed in columns beneath. Flanking the central plaque are two smaller, bronze plaques with the inscription to each reading: TO THE HONOURED MEMORY OF THOSE OF WARRINGTON WHO/ LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR 1939 – 1945. The names of the 435 local servicemen who died are listed in columns underneath. The right hand plaque also carries the 22 names of the civilian casualties.

The screen wall terminates at each end in square piers with inset panels to the exposed faces. The end piers have stepped stone caps, with moulded cornices. The westernmost pier has a bronze plaque to the inset panel of the east face dedicated to The Burma Star Association and those who fell in the Far East conflict during the Second World War. The corresponding pier to the east has a similar bronze plaque to its west face dedicated to those who have died in other conflicts.

SUBSIDIARY FEATURES: the obelisk is set within an area of hard landscaping on a raised platform bounded by the screen wall to the north-east. The south-west boundary to the platform is a low, stone retaining wall with flat stone coping and square end piers. A central flight of steps lead up to the memorial, with two further flights of steps to either side against the screen wall. A flag pole* is situated to the south-east corner within a curve of the retaining wall.

* Pursuant to s1 (5A) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (‘the Act’) it is declared that this aforementioned feature is not of special architectural or historic interest.

2. K4 TELEPHONE KIOSK, BRIDGE FOOT

List entry Number: 1139380 Grade: II Date first listed: 06-Aug-1986

52 Telephone kiosk, K4 type, 1930. Cast iron. Three top panels with perforated crowns for ventilation. One top panel with bracket for night illumination of integral stamp selling machines and posting box.

3. STATUE OF OLIVER CROMWELL List Entry Summary

List entry Number: 1139417 STATUE OF OLIVER CROMWELL, BRIDGE STREET

Grade: II

Date first listed: 24-Sep-1973

1. BRIDGE STREET 5150 (West Side) Statue of Oliver Cromwell SJ 6087 2/41 24.9.73. II

2. Directly in front of the Old Academy. Bronze figure, standing, on square plinth. No inscription apart from "Cromwell" inscribed as signature. Presented 1899, sculptor John Bell of Kensington.

Listing NGR: SJ6071187862

4. THE OLD ACADEMY List Entry Summary List entry Number: 1139416 Location

Grade: II

Date first listed: 06-Dec-1949

BRIDGE STREET 1. 5l50 (West Side) The Old Academy SJ 6087 2/4 6.12.49. II

2. Built 1757 or earlier, to train candidates for the Nonconformist ministry. Transferred to larger building in 1762, and dissolved in 1783. Now (1973) empty. Tutors included Joseph Priestley, John Aikin, Gilbert Wakefield and probably Marat; students included Josiah Wedgwood's eldest son Malthus. Brick with slate roof (one end nipped) and wood eaves cornice. 3 storeys. Original (6-panel door, porch of detached Roman Doric columns, with flat roof; 4 restored sash windows on ground floor and 5 on upper floors, with stone sills and some stone lintels. Interior (not seen) said to have original staircase, doors, and 2 panelled rooms, one with some erichiment.

53 Appendix 3 Letter from Mr Andrew Ker, Borough Surveyor, to the Mayor, 2nd June 1924