A tall hollow cenotaph, flanking date pillars and park gates turn remembrance into a monumental threshold for Grangemouth’s principal park.
Quick facts
- Date
- Designed 1921; unveiled 1923
- Architect / designer
- Sir John James Burnet
- Type
- Sandstone cenotaph, sculptural memorial and park gates
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB52398)
- OS grid reference
- NS 92942 81670
Architecture and continuing use
The 8.2-metre sandstone cenotaph has openings through its core and is linked to lower pillars and gates. A sculpted lion attacking an eagle crowns the composition, while inscriptions and later names make the structure both architectural gateway and memorial record.
Its story
Burnet prepared the design in 1921 and the completed memorial was unveiled in 1923 after the First World War. Its dates unusually run from 1914 to 1919. Later commemorations were added without removing the original park-gate role.
Why it is included
Category B listing recognises the unusual integration of monument, sculpture and entrance gates, as well as an exceptionally forceful image of victory and mourning.
What to notice
- Open passage through the tall central cenotaph.
- Lion-and-eagle sculpture silhouetted above the park.
- Separate date pillars joining the memorial to the gates.
Reading the surroundings
Approach on park paths and remain considerate during remembrance events. Do not climb the memorial, attach objects without permission or obstruct the gates.
Timeline
- 1880 The Earl of Zetland gifted the park to the people of Grangemouth.
- 1921 Sir John James Burnet produced the memorial design.
- 1923 The completed cenotaph and gates were publicly unveiled.
- 2016 The structure received Category B listed status.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The memorial’s imagery reflects the language of its period. This record describes it without endorsing its imperial symbolism.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Zetland Park War Memorial and Gates, LB52398 — Current designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Trove designation: LB52398 — Parallel national record identity and archival context.
- Falkirk Council: Zetland Park — Current public-park context, facilities and local history of the memorial.
Location
OS grid reference NS 92942 81670 · Location confidence: High: the current national designation supplies an exact mapped National Grid Reference; public text separately states access and current-use uncertainty. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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