Westfield War Memorial Village and War Memorial, Lancaster

During World War One, Thomas Mawson became concerned about the plight of disabled ex-servicemen. In his book 'An Imperial Obligation: Industrial Villages for Partially Disabled Soldiers' (London: Grant Richards, 1917) in which he proposed the construction of purpose-built villages to house those who has received physical and mental injuries in the conflict. Although he received widespread support, his ideas were opposed by the Ministry of Pensions and only the Memorial Village at Westfield, Lancaster was built, the funds raised through private donations.

Herbert L Storey DL JP of Bailrigg Lancaster, the son of Sir Thomas Storey played, a significant role in the development of the village, donating 15 acres of land surrounding “Westfield,” the family home. Despite some local opposition, the Commemoration stone was laid, above the front door of the first cottage by Lord Richard Cavendish CAB CMG on Saturday 15 Nov 1919. Mawson’s final design incorporated a major tree-lined axial route from the imposing entrance gates on West Road to the War Memorial in the centre of the village. From this point three lesser roads radiated wherein further cottages, built of local stone and paid for by private donations, followed. Many were named after battles of the First World War. A bowling green was provided at Mawson's insistence. The centrepiece - a stone plinth with a statue of a soldier giving his wounded comrade a drink from his canteen - by Jennie de la Hunt, is now listed Grade II*. It was unveiled by General Sir Archibald Hunter GCB in 1925. The official opening of the village was performed by Field Marshall the Earl Haig KT GCB OM GCVO KCIE on Wednesday 29 October 1924. The village was further expanded after the Second World War while Storey's home, “Westfield,” was converted into a social club on his death.

Plaque on the war memorial – “The Westfield War Memorial Village founded in grateful remembrance of the sacrifices made by the King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, the Lancashire Batteries of Artillery and other Lancastrians in the Great War 1914-1918. The children of Sir Thomas Storey gave the property. The cottages were built by public and individual subscription. The village was designed by Thomas Hayton Mawson.”