The old city centre war memorial is a single stone cross which stands to the north of Peterborough Cathedral's precincts. Requests from residents and veteran groups for a more prominent war memorial for Peterborough led to the formation of the Peterborough War Memorial steering group. Represented on this group are Peterborough Veterans' Association, The Royal British Legion and Peterborough City Council.
Following public consultation a preferred design was selected which is based on the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretumin Alrewas, Staffordshire.
The contract to install Peterborough's new war memorial was awarded to John Lucas Ltd of Peterborough, the stone used is Ancaster white limestone from the Stamford Stone Company Ltd.
The new memorial is located in Bridge Street close to the Town Hall. There are steps leading up to the obelisk, on which the words 'Lest We Forget' are engraved.
Dedication of the new war memorial
The new war memorial is to be dedicated on Monday 25 June at 10am. The dedication of the war memorial will coincide with Fly a Flag for Armed Forces day which recognises all those who are serving, or have served, in the armed forces. The ceremony will begin at 10am with a welcome from the Mayor of Peterborough, Councillor George Simons, followed by a speech from George Bennett, chair of the Royal British Legion Peterborough branch and member of the Peterborough War Memorial committee.
Councillor Irene Walsh, chair of the Peterborough War Memorial committee, will then pay tribute to everyone who has made a donation towards the new memorial, which has been paid for solely out of donations. The Dean of Peterborough, the Very Reverend Charles Taylor, will then officially dedicate the new memorial, which will be followed by a two minutes' silence.
Following the dedication, Royal British Legion Padre, Reverend George Rogers, will conduct a short service which will include readings by Langford Smith, President of the Royal British Legion Peterborough branch, and Margaret Yallop who lost her brother in conflict in Ireland in 1972.
The Mayor of Peterborough, Councillor George Simons, will raise the Armed Forces Day flag at 10.30am. Finally, The Dean of Peterborough, the Very Reverend Charles Taylor, will perform the final blessing of the war memorial.
During the ceremony more than 80 pupils from William Law Church of England Primary School's choir will perform Wherever You Are, which was number 1 in the charts at Christmas for the Military Wives with Gareth Malone.
