J. Lyons and Company War Memorial Stele

Who were the 227 souls commemorated at the J. Lyons and Company War Memorial Stele? Here in the tranquil Margravine Cemetery, stands a poignant testament to their sacrifice. The J. Lyons and Company War Memorial Stele, a nine-ton granite pillar, reaches towards the sky. It bears the names of those who served and fell during the First World War. J. Lyons and Company, known for their Corner Houses and teashops, erected this memorial in 1922. It originally stood at their sports ground in Sudbury Hill. This was a place of recreation for employees, a testament to the company’s paternalistic nature. The memorial, designed by Lyons’ architect Charles Oatley, was unveiled by General Lord Horne. A bronze wreath on the base poignantly declares, “Erected by J. Lyons & Co Limited in memory of the staff who fell in the Great War 1914 – 1918.” The memorial moved twice. First to the tea factory at Oldfield Lane North, Greenford, and finally here to Margravine Cemetery in 2002. A granite trough, added during the last move, now holds tributes. This relocation brought the memorial closer to the company’s former headquarters at Cadby Hall. The J. Lyons and Company War Memorial Stele silently speaks volumes. It tells of loss and remembrance, of a company that valued its employees and of the devastating impact of war. Amongst the 227 names, you might find Captain Edward Christian, nephew of company founder Sir Joseph Lyons. Or learn about Isaac Smith, a chocolate salesman awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery. The J. Lyons and Company War Memorial Stele stands as a solemn reminder of their sacrifice, a tangible link to a company’s history and a nation’s grief. It invites us to reflect on the lives lost and the enduring legacy of those who served.