We are responsible for the care and maintenance of the War Memorial Gardens, Rowntree Park and four smaller memorials.

War Memorial Gardens, Leeman Road

Open in 1925, this is the city's principal memorial and hosts the annual Service of Remembrance in the presence of the Lord Mayor and other Civic dignitaries. The garden is open to the public all day every day for quiet contemplation and reflection. A memorial to those involved in the Korean War and a universal memorial to peace have been subsequently added.

Rowntree Park

Just south of the city centre is Rowntree Park. The park was a gift to the City of York by Messrs Rowntree & Co. in 1921 and is a memorial to the Cocoa Works staff who fell and suffered during World War 1. A set of listed gates off Terry Avenue were added to the park in memory of those who fell in the World War II. Bronze plaques mark both occasions within the centrally located lych-gate.

Other war memorials

Smaller war memorials exist at :

• Duncombe Place - Boer War memorial
• Skeldergate Island - Boer War memorial
• Leeman Road - World Wars I and II
• Acomb Green - World Wars I and II

There are also War Memorials under the care and maintenance of Parish and Town Councils and local businesses.  The York area was also home to a number of second world war airfields in which Memorials are also situated.

Contact

To report damage to war memorials email or ring the York Customer Centre.

For all queries contact Parks and Open Spaces.