A stone cenotaph, 22ft high, with carrier columns at each corner of the main pedestal. Columns support the upper portion of the monument which is essentially a tiered base surmounted by a smaller pedestal with corner columns and domed top. The whole is set within a raised platform with flower troughs for poppies, surrounded by iron railings and a gated entrance to the front.

Front face of the monument has a wreath carved in half relief on the small upper pedestal beneath the dome and the dates of the First World War on the tiered base of the upper portion. Front face of the main lower pedestal has a carved stone cross with sword decoration under the words "Pro Deo et Pro Patria". The main dedication is also carried on this panel: "To those men of Spennymoor / Urban District who fell / defending our liberty....ETERNAL HONOUR TO THEIR NAME". 360 names are carried in three columns on each of the remaining three panels of the lower pedestal. At the foot of these panels on the left and right sides of the memorial are two sloping panels bearing the names for WW2, listed in two columns on each. The name of one fallen soldier killed in Afghanistan, 2011, has been added underneath the rear WW1 panel. Originally unveiled 1922.