One of only two in the country cast in the patriotic image of Britannia and standing at 22ft tall, the war memorial is considered to be one of Leeds's finest and thousands of people attend a Festival of Remembrance here each year.

Initially,the memorial was for men and boys who fell in the First World War – the names of those who perished in the Second were added later. Twelve bronze plaques either side bear all their names. With its upturned shield – signifying that war is over – supported on the head of four lions, the bronze sculpture was erected in 1927 at a cost of £2,500. Designed by Walter Gilbert, it was considered of such historic value that it was later given a grade II listing by English Heritage.