Dead Man’s Penny Tribute to Woolwich WW1 fallen unveiled
Dead Man’s Penny Tribute to Woolwich WW1 fallen unveiled
Rob Naybour
Rob guides the strategic direction of the practice and works closely with clients on the formative stages of projects.
A plaque commemorating a little-known piece of First World War history has been unveiled at the brand-new Woolwich Crossrail station.
The Dead Man’s Penny was a commemorative coin given after the First World War to the next-of-kin of all British and Empire service personnel who were killed as a result of the war.
It was about 4.75 inches (120 mm) in diameter, cast in bronze and was made in Woolwich Arsenal, which is now home to Crossrail.
The design of Crossrail in Woolwich has already been heavily influenced by the historic buildings and military history in the area and the new plaque is situated in pride of place on an information totem outside the main station building.
The display features a slightly over-sized replica of the plaque, with copies of the letters that were sent to recipients and an explanatory board.
Commenting after the installation project manager, Neil Murray from Crossrail Ltd said: “Thanks to everyone, especially Weston Williamson, Mott MacDonald, Balfour Beatty and Berkeley Homes, for working together to get the Woolwich Station to this point, it’s been quite a journey but enormously fulfilling.
“The installation of this totem is one of the many design touches at the station which honour the connection the area has with our armed forces and hopefully it brings the story of this piece of commemoration to life for passengers and residents.
Project director Rob Naybour said: “Siting the new Elizabeth Line station within the Arsenal reconnects Woolwich with the Royal Arsenal site.
“The architecture and public realm celebrate this connection with the existing community. As well as opening access across Plumstead Road the station completes the fourth side of Dial Arch Square as a major new public space.
“The materials and decorative motifs reflect the long history of the site. This informative totem invites locals and visitors alike to engage with this history and explore their own relationship to this remarkable place and its impact across the world.”
Rob Naybour
Rob guides the strategic direction of the practice and works closely with clients on the formative stages of projects.