The Stirling Memorial was erected in 1902 by the public of Cleator Moor to commemorate the golden wedding of John and his wife, Marion Stirling, and as a token of the high esteem in which they were held. The memorial cost £200 - a large amount of money at that time.
The memorial consists of a water fountain made of two kinds of granite - grey Rubislaw granite and a pretty red granite known as Balmoral. The basement consists of three steps of grey granite covering an area of 10ft. 6in. by 10ft. 6in. These are surmounted by two massive blocks of the same material; then follows a circular shaft which supports a large basin of red granite 4ft. in diameter; this is surrounded by a tall shaft which carries a second basin. At each of the four angles of the basement stands a red granite vase, supported by circular pillars. The whole of the work above the basement is highly polished.
The memorial has been moved a couple of times since 1902. It is currently located in its original position. Sadly, a bronze stalk which topped the memorial has been lost. The bill of the stork would form a fountain.
It is inscribed:
Their love for the people of the district has been made manifest by many acts of large-hearted kindness.