Two York Benches on Their Way to Souda Bay War Cemetery, Crete
Posted on March 27, 2026
Picture credit: www.cwgc.org
We’ve recently completed two York benches for a very special destination — the Souda Bay War Cemetery in Crete.
At the time of writing, the benches are still on their journey, travelling overland through mainland Greece before reaching the island. While we’re still waiting to see them in their final setting, we wanted to share a bit more about where they’re going — and why it matters.
A Place of Remembrance
Souda Bay War Cemetery is one of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries, located near Chania on the north coast of Crete.
The cemetery is the final resting place for more than 1,500 Commonwealth servicemen, the vast majority of whom lost their lives during the Second World War. Many of those buried here were involved in the Battle of Crete in May 1941 — a significant and fiercely fought campaign following the German airborne invasion of the island.
Alongside those who fell during the battle itself, the cemetery also contains graves of soldiers, sailors, and airmen who died in the wider Mediterranean theatre, as well as a number of unidentified servicemen.
Set against the backdrop of Souda Bay, with views out across the sea and surrounding hills, it is a peaceful and carefully maintained place — designed for reflection, remembrance, and quiet pause.
Picture Credit: Noon
Supporting Spaces for Reflection
The benches we’ve produced will become part of that environment — simple, durable seating designed to sit comfortably within the landscape and provide visitors with a place to stop, sit, and take in the surroundings.
Projects like this are always approached with a particular level of care. These are not just functional pieces — they become part of a setting where people come to remember, reflect, and connect with history.
The York bench - A Perfect Compliment
The York bench is a natural fit for a place like Souda Bay. Its classic, unfussy design avoids ornament or flourish, instead offering a quiet, respectful presence. It’s the kind of bench that performs it's role without interruption — giving visitors somewhere to sit and reflect, while allowing the setting itself to remain the focus.
Packed and Ready For Dispatch
The benches have been carefully wrapped and protected for their journey, with each section fully covered and secured to withstand the long overland trip from the UK to Crete. While it may not be the most glamorous stage, it’s an essential part of the process — ensuring everything arrives in perfect condition, ready to be installed and enjoyed in its final settin
Click on the pictures to enlarge
A Journey Still in Progress
We’re looking forward to seeing the York benches installed in the beautiful surroundings at Souda Bay in the coming days and will share further updates once they’ve reached their final position.
More information about our York benches can be found below.
