Summary
A churchyard war memorial, dating from July 1921, of limestone. The monument takes the form of a sculpted Calvary set in a Gothic arch with a rectangular base and plinth.
Description
A churchyard war memorial, dating from July 1921.
MATERIALS: of limestone.
DESCRIPTION: the monument takes the form of a sculpted Calvary set in a Gothic arch with a rectangular base and plinth.
The monument faces south-east. The Calvary has a gabled head with projecting moulded coping. Set within this gable is a pointed Gothic arch which holds the sculpted Crucifixion. A steeply raking chamfer below this is inscribed with the words ‘LEAVING US / AN / EXAMPLE’. At the top of the cross is a carved scroll with the initials ‘INRI’. Below the arch is inscribed ‘TO THE GLORY OF GOD / AND IN MEMORY OF THESE / CONNECTED WITH THIS PARISH / WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE / IN THE GREAT WAR / 1914 – 1919 / FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS HAVE CAUSED THIS TO BE ERECTED’.
The base has a steeply sloping top, on which are sculpted representations of a soldier’s helmet and a rifle. Below this the names of the fallen are inscribed on the front and flanks of the base, with the initials ‘RIP’ inscribed at the centre at the bottom. The rectangular plinth forms an apron in front of the monument.
This List entry has been amended to add the source for War Memorials Online. This source was not used in the compilation of this List entry but is added here as a guide for further reading, 11 January 2018.
History
The aftermath of the First World War saw the biggest single wave of public commemoration ever with tens of thousands of memorials erected across England. The memorial was erected, in the words of the parish priest, ‘not to benefit the dead, but to benefit the living throughout many generations’. The monument was unveiled on 24 July 1921 by Brigadier General AHO Lloyd, and the dedication was performed by Archdeacon HAS Lambart.
Reasons for Listing
The St Michael's Parishioners' War Memorial, Shrewsbury War Memorial, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
Historic interest:
* as an eloquent witness to the tragic impacts of world events on this community, and the sacrifices it made in the conflicts of the C20.
Architectural interest:
* as an accomplished and well-realised war memorial, which takes the form of a Calvary.
Group value:
* with the former Church of St Michael, Shrewsbury (Grade II).
External Links
External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.
Recommended Books
Pevsner's Architectural Glossary (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
Churches: An Architectural Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
Devon (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Building Small Projects (New Best of Fine Woodworking)
Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
Wiltshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)