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    © Imperial War Museums 2026

    Memorial

    Cyclists Obelisk

    Source: Copyright Peter Alhadeff

    1/5

    Current Location

    The Green, Birmingham Road, Meriden, Solihull, West Midlands, CV7 7LP, England

    OS Grid Reference

    SP 23963 82239

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    Names listed on this memorial

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    © WMR-17575

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    Type of Memorial
    Obelisk
    WMR Reference Number
    17575
    Description
    Base and pedestal surmounted by obelisk. WW1 dedicatory inscription carved into one side in gold lettering. WW2 inscription on a metal plaque attached to the pedestal. Third dedicatory inscription, in gold lettering, to all cyclists who died serving their country.
    Inscription
    6 O'CLOCK FACE: TO THE / LASTING MEMORY / OF THOSE / CYCLISTS / WHO DIED IN THE / GREAT WAR 1914 - 1919 9 O'CLOCK FACE: IN REMEMBRANCE / OF THOSE / CYCLISTS / WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES / IN WORLD WAR II / 1939 - 1945 12 O'CLOCK FACE: IN LASTING MEMORY/ OF ALL /CYCLISTS/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES/ WHEN SERVING/ THEIR COUNTRY
    War
    First World War (1914-1918)
    War
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Maker(s)
    • Messrs J White and Sons, Designer

    • Messrs J White and Sons, Builder

    Costs
    £1200 0s 0d

    Ceremonies

    Unveiled

    21 May 1921

    Earl of Birkenhead (Lord Chancellor)

    Dedicated

    21 May 1921

    Rev. B. G. Bourchier

    Rededicated

    1963

    Components

    Obelisk

    Height: 9100mm


    Made from: Granite


    Condition: Good


    Historic England

    Grade: II

    List Entry: 1389323

    • Coventry Evening Telegraph - Tuesday 17 May 1921 https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000337/19210517/085/0005 CYCLING. [By ROVER.] Do not forget, the Cyclists` War Memorial at Meriden will be unveiled on Saturday next, the 21st inst. All cyclists who can possibly do so should make point of attending this ceremony.
    • Cycling 04 November 1920; 19 May 1921; 26 May 1921; 02 June 1921
    • Nottingham Evening Post - Saturday 21 May 1921 https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000321/19210521/024/0002 CYCLISTS' WAR MEMORIAL. To-day National Cyclists' pilgrimage will take place to Meriden, a small village which claims to be the centre spot of England. There at 6 p.m. an obelisk of grey granite will be unveiled to the memory of the cyclists who fell in the war. Altogether it is anticipated that more than 5,000 cyclists from all parts the country will arrive in the village to take part in this ceremony. The inscription upon the obelisk will be: To the lasting Memory of those Cyclists who fell in the Great War. Lord Birkenhead, himself an old cyclist, will perform the ceremony of unveiling.
    • Leamington Spa Courier - Friday 27 May 1921 https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0000635/19210527/171/0007?browse=true …… The memorial is of unpolished grey granite, and the letters of the inscription are deeply cut in upon the side of the pedestal, which faces the main road. They depend upon shadow for their effect. The erection is of a very solid character, being 30 feet high, and standing upon 30 tons of concrete. The granite itself weighs 40 tons, and the concrete inside 10 tons. The total cost was £1.200.
    • Rugby Advertiser 27 May 1921
    • Aberdeen Press and Journal - Tuesday 25 May 1937 https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000577/19370525/005/0003 More than 5000 cyclists attend special service.
    • Rugby Evening Telegraph 10 May 1999
    • "Stand To!" p23-28/ September 2012 Published: Western Front Association "The Great War and Anfield Bicycle Club" by David Birchall
    • Lewisham Borough News 1921