The memorial tower which rises above the village of Crich has, over the years, been dedicated to the fallen of several army regiments from World War One to the present day.
There has been a tower on the site since as early as 1760 and the present structure is the fourth construction. The first was a wooden construction and the second, built in 1788, made of limestone.
In 1851 a Gritstone tower was erected but damaged and closed in 1882 by a landslide caused by nearby quarrying.
In 1914 the adjacent quarry was sold to the Clay Cross Company with a proviso that they made a commitment to rebuild the tower. However, work was interrupted by the start of World War One.
Following the First World War, plans were drawn up to construct a memorial tower to recognise the 11,409 men of the Sherwood Foresters Regiment (drawn from the counties of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire) who had fallen in the Great War.
The chief architect was Lieutenant Colonel Brewill who unfortunately passed away before the tower was completed. However, his son, Captain L C Brewill, oversaw the completion of the memorial. The official opening of the memorial was held on Monday 6th August 1923.
Over the years there have been additional dedications to those who have given their lives for their country.
• In 1952 there was a further dedication to the 1,502 members of the Sherwood Foresters regiment who had fallen in World War Two
• In 1991 two further memorial plaques were added. The first to remember the members of the Sherwood Foresters regiment who gave their lives from 1945 to 1970. The second plaque to remember the members of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters who had fallen since 1970
• A stone was added in memory of Brigadier J H M Hackett, the last Colonel of the Sherwood Foresters
• In 2011 a Memorial Wall was constructed in memory of all those who have fallen since World War Two
• In 2013 the site was rededicated to The Mercian Regiment
Each year on the first Sunday in July there is a pilgrimage and service at the site.
The memorial tower is 938ft (286m) above sea level and stands 64ft (19m) high. There are 59 steps leading to the summit of the landmark and on a clear day it is possible to make out Lincoln Cathedral some 40 miles (64km) away. The construction is now designated as a Grade II listed building.
For those who have not yet visited this remarkable Derbyshire landmark I would thoroughly recommend it.
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The grounds of the memorial tower covered in a light dusting of snow during a cold winter day. Photo: Gary Wallis WINTRY SCENE
The grounds of the memorial tower covered in a light dusting of snow during a cold winter day.
The tower at sunset.
The beacon at Crich Stand looking towards the village of Crich.
Looking towards the village of Crich from the top of the memorial tower.
Sun breaking clouds looking westwards from the top of Crich Cliff.
Spring and buttercups at the memorial tower.
Sunset from Crich Stand.
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