Travel: The things I've seen: Cyclists' Memorial
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.JUDGING by the looks one gets, people who walk along country roads seem to be regarded as 'odd'. Pedestrians and cyclists are just nuisances who get in the way of motorised traffic.
Nevertheless, I decided to walk to Meriden from the nearest railway station, Hampton in Arden. There, on the village green, beside an ancient wayside cross and the village flagpole, I found the Cyclists' Memorial. The monument was erected in memory of those cyclists who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars. Cyclists still come annually to pay their respects.
Meriden, in Warwickshire, is traditionally at the geographical centre of England. It was mentioned as such in the Domesday Book. An oak tree is said to mark dead centre. A similar claim is made on a brass plate in the nearby Bull's Head.
Both many be wrong. Owing to such factors as coastal erosion, Ordnance Survey has established that the centre of England is now at Hinckley in Leicestershire.
The Cyclists' Memorial is at OS grid reference SP 239822.
(Photograph omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments