Pictures of WWI Walk – Unlocking Warwick

On Saturday 13th October, fifty people took part in our ‘Warwick WWI Walk’ in aid of St. Mary’s Church and the Fusilier Museum. The walk used material unearthed by Unlocking Warwick’s research team about the personal stories of the victims of the Great War commemorated on the war memorial, to reflect on the impact of the conflict on Warwick families as the centenary of the Armistice approaches.

The Warwick WWI Walk ended at the poppy display in St. Mary’s Church

The WWI Walk started in Pageant Gardens behind the Court House, where the Mayor, Richard Eddy, read the official proclamation of war as his predecessor had done in 1914. The guests heard how The Court House and Pageant House had been the administrative centre for the 350,000 troops who joined the war from Warwickshire.

At the War Memorial, the moving stories of three of those named on the bronze plaques were read out. Then after hearing about why the poppy has become the symbol of remembrance around the world, the group went into St. Mary’s Church to see the spectacular display of hand-made poppies commemorating the men of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment who lost their lives in WWI. Here is a gallery of more pictures. Click to see them full size.

The walk began in the Pageant Gardens behind the Court House

The mayor, Richard Eddy, read the proclamation of war

The Warwick WW1 Walk with personal stories at the memorial

The War Memorial is an Eleanor Cross unveiled in 1921

David read the story of John Ashbourne whose grandson was present

Liz played the part of the only woman named on the memorial – Janet Greatorex

Edward from Warwick School played the part of Eric Pyne who joined up straight from the school

At the Old Square to hear the story of the remembrance poppy

A reading of ‘In Flanders Fields’ outside the church in Old Square

The tour finished at the Royal Warwickshire Regimental Chapel

Afterwards there was time for the guests, many of who had come from outside Warwick, to look around the impressive display. Many said how moving it was to hear the stories of just a few of those who died, and to understand the enormous impact the war had on families in Warwick.

You can find out more on our special website www.warwickwarmemorial.org.uk