Paragon Square War Memorial
Preserving the heritage and historical integrity of the Paragon Square War Memorial is a responsibility we take seriously.
Due to its age and the delicate materials it’s made from, we must be very careful with how and when it’s cleaned. Only a gentle steam-cleaning method is allowed, which helps protect the stone and the engraved lettering. In the past, overcleaning has caused damage - something we’re working hard to avoid.
Overcleaning can have serious consequences, such as prosecution by the War Graves Commission. To avoid this, we follow strict guidance from the War Memorials Trust, a charity that works to protect and conserve war memorials in the UK.
It has been recommended that we commission a regular condition survey conducted by qualified professionals.
We are currently arranging for a specialist engineer to carry out this survey and develop a long-term maintenance plan.
This survey will assess the -
- legibility of inscriptions
- structural integrity
- signs of decay or erosion
- vegetation growth
- bird droppings
- cleaning practices
It will also include a photographic record to help monitor changes over time. Any future cleaning will be undertaken with great care.
However, while a light clean may be possible, it is unlikely to produce a dramatic visual change.
The memorials were last cleaned in September 2024. We plan to carry out another light clean prior to the Remembrance Day services.
Latest update
A long erm maintenance plan is in development.
This page and Hull CC News will continue to be updated as and when further details, and timeframes are available.