WW1/WW2 ROH with a Calvary Cross outside the church (WMA 27400). The church was built in 1888; architect GF Bodley. The parish of St George was joined with St John, Leenside, after WW2 and the church is now known as St George with St John the Baptist. The memorial was unveiled by Lady Henry Bentinck at a service conducted by the vicar on 28 June 1921. Nottingham Evening Post, Monday 20 June 1921: ‘Chaplain’s stirring appeal at Memorial Service. Tribute to the men from St George’s parish, Nottingham, who fell in the war, was paid on Saturday afternoon when Lady Henry Bentinck unveiled a Calvary of Portland stone, standing 12ft. high, on three steps, which has been erected in their memory in the churchyard. A service in the church preceded the ceremony. It was conducted by the vicar (Rev JB Neate), and the Rev JC Adams, other clergy present including the Ven HW Woodward, of Zanzibar, and the Rev JR Thomas, of Sneinton. Lord Henry Bentinck MP occupied a seat near his wife, and the building was crowded. Preaching from the words, ‘With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation,’ the Rev. JP Hales DSO, emphasised that the life consecrated to God through Christ was unbroken. Conditions to-day he said were so different from what they had hoped for and expected after the war, but if people would only serve God whole-heartedly, all the present problems would be solved. The idle, selfish life could not bring peace to the individual or the nation; peace could come through service alone. A lump rose in the throat of many when the chaplain said that over and over again men overseas had, in reply to his question as to what had helped to keep them ‘straight’, produced from their pocket a photograph of their parents, wife, children, or sweetheart. Yes, for the sake of those who remained at home they were true to honour and to God. Were those present, therefore, willing for the sake of those ‘left behind’ prepared to live for the things for which those men died? If so, he believed God would lead them on, and strengthen them when they fell. On unveiling the Calvary, Lady Henry Bentinck prayed that the memorial would keep alive the devotion of the men to the cause of humanity, and be for ever and incentive to noble and generous deeds.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk). A number of street shrines were erected in the Meadows during the war: Report Nottingham Evening Post, 26 May 1917: ‘Honour to the Brave. Lord H Bentinck unveils Nottingham war shrine' ... ‘I am sure that if we all pull together for a little time longer victory will be ours, and the way will be opened to a better, purer and freer world,’ said Lord Henry Bentinck, MP, in unveiling a war shrine this afternoon in Briar-street, Wilford-road, Nottingham. His lordship, who had come specially from London in order to undertake what he termed a ‘pious pilgrimage and a sacred duty’ expressed his conviction that up to the outbreak of war the people of this country were gradually working towards a better time, and that that object would ultimately have been attained. Then the war came, and progress was impossible until the German spirit which was inimical to the welfare of this and every other country, had been quelled. That was why we had bound ourselves to make no peace until this military despotism had been broken down. The shrine, which contains a crucifix, was blessed by the Rev Father Davison, who was attended by the Rev Father Denny and a small surplice choir. The hymns ‘For all the Saints who from their labours rest.’ And ‘Holy Father, in Thy Mercy’ being sung. A vote of thanks was accorded to Lord Henry Bentinck, on the proposition of Ald J Houston, who said that in his belief Briar-street, King’s Meadow-road, Hawthorn-street, and the streets immediately surrounding had made a greater response to the call than any other district in the city. Twelve of the fallen, it may be added, come from Briar-street itself, while the street can also claim three holders of the DCM and one of the MC. One lad has been three times wounded.’ Report, Nottingham Evening Post, 31 January 1917: ‘School war shrine. Unveiling ceremony in Nottingham’ … ‘The first war shrine to be erected on any school in Nottingham was unveiled at London-road school by Lord Henry Bentinck, MP, this afternoon. Designed and made by Mr W Dormer, it is installed on the school wall, and is the receptacle for a Roll of Honour comprising the names of over 220 former scholars who joined the forces, 19 of whom have already laid down their lives. Prior to the ceremony, Lord Henry Bentinck addressed the children in the schools, where Mr CT Ashwell presided. His lordship spoke with admiration of the number of former pupils who had gone forth from the school to do their part in the struggle which we were waging in defence of liberty. He hoped that the children now being educated would grow up to find such a thing as war impossible but urged them to cultivate the qualities which had been displayed by our troops at the front, especially good fellowship, willingness to help one another, and self-sacrifice. Subsequently, Lord Henry unveiled the shrine and the children after singing patriotic songs, concluded with the National Anthem and hearty cheering.’