NOBODY counted, but an estimated 25,000 attended the unveiling and dedication of Keighley’s War Memorial on Sunday afternoon, December 7, 1924.
They represented possibly the largest ever gathering in the town.
The Town Hall Square was reserved for ex-servicemen and relatives of approximately 900 who had died, with thousands standing “well down Cavendish Street, along North Street, up Spencer Street, and in other surrounding public spaces”.
Loud-speakers had been installed, and the town centre closed to traffic.
Described as “this great undertaking on the part of the people of Keighley”, the War Memorial took six years in its planning, with a Memorial Fund attracting generous support.
Its bronze figures were by South Kensington sculptor Henry C Fehr, and its “exceptionally hard and durable” stonework came from Eastburn Quarries. Its female figure, representing both peace and victory, stands 35 feet above ground level.
The photograph has been supplied by Mr Kevin Seaton, of Shann Lane, Keighley.
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