www.warmemorialpark.co.uk
Park History Regiments Plaque Locator Disclaimer
Schools Medals Links Contact
FAQ's Guest Book  Pictures Thanks
Return to  Index Page
The War Memorial Park: A Brief History
During the First World War Coventry was an important centre for the manufacture of munitions and few other towns or cities gave such a large proportion of their men to the fighting forces, 2600 men in total. In 1919 an appeal was made to raise funds for a Memorial fitting to the men who courageously gave their lives, it was decided that a Memorial Park and a monument would be appropriate. 

The 121 acres site taking in 60 acres of Stivichall Common was purchased by the City.   On July 9th 1921 the Memorial Park was opened and dedicated by the Mayor W.H.Grant and and Bishop of Coventry D.D Yeatman-Biggs. In 1923 the City Council adopted a plan for the park and trees were planted in memory of individual Men.

A fund was launched in 1924 for the erection of a monument and the City Librarians began the task of collating the names of the fallen to complete a 'Roll of Honour'. The monument was complete in August 1927 and unveiled and dedicated by Field Marshall Earl Haig on October 8th the ceremony was attended by about 50,000 people. The 'Roll of Honour' was placed in the 'Chamber of Silence' a space within the monument for reflection.

This meant the temporary cenotaph erected in Spencer Park could be removed and this was replaced by an oak tree grown from an acorn gathered after the repulse by the French of the Great German attack in 1916.

During the Second World War Coventry again suffered huge losses not only in fighting abroad but also in the air raids of November 1940 and April 1941, a second roll of honour was collated and placed in the chamber of silence by Field Marshall the Viscount Montgomery of Alamein on 5th October 1947. During 1948 memorial trees were planted throughout the park.
Adapted from Coventry City Information Bulletin January 1977    

Trevor Harkin 2005