Nicholson War Memorial, War memorial and clock tower in Leek, England
Nicholson War Memorial is a war memorial and clock tower in Leek, built from red brick and Portland stone, rising prominently above the town. Four illuminated clock faces mark the time on each side and glow at night, making it a distinctive landmark visible throughout the area.
The memorial was built in 1925 by Sir Arthur Nicholson to honor his son Lieutenant Basil Lee Nicholson and 535 local residents who died across both World Wars. Its construction after World War I made it a focal point for remembrance in the region.
The memorial displays names of battles in which the 46th North Midland Division fought, connecting the structure to the lived experience of local soldiers. The inscriptions and plaques on its surfaces tell the stories of residents from this town who did not return home.
The site is centrally located in Leek and easily reached on foot from the town center. The Friends of the Nicholson War Memorial organization offers guided tours that provide access to the interior and explanations of the memorial's significance.
The tower's original clock mechanism is preserved in a local museum, showing the technical engineering from the early 1900s. This saved piece reveals the precision and complexity that went into timekeeping technology of that era.
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