Summary

A First World War memorial, by Thomas H Elliott, stonemason, dedicated in 1921; altered after the Second World War to add the names of the Fallen from that conflict.

Description

A First World War memorial, by Thomas H Elliott, stonemason, dedicated in 1921; altered after the Second World War to add the names of the Fallen from that conflict.

MATERIALS: Upton Wood limestone on a concrete base.

DESCRIPTION: the memorial, which is circa 2.5m high, has a cross with four arms, projecting in four directions, on a diagonally-set four-sided tapering shaft, which stands on a three-stepped plinth. The plinth is inscribed on all four sides, the inscriptions picked out in inlaid bronze lettering. On three sides: TO THE GLORY OF GOD / AND IN MEMORY OF / THOSE FROM THIS PARISH / WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR / 1914 – 1918, followed by the names of the Fallen; then FOR KING AND COUNTRY. The rear face is inscribed 1939 – 1945 followed by the names of those who died in the Second World War. The plinth stands on a wide, high square base, into which is set four elaborate cast-iron posts on stone bases, with a chain-link fence slung between them.

History

The memorial was unveiled and dedicated on 18 September 1921, to commemorate the members of the parish of Birdingbury who died during the First World War. The costs of £80 had been raised by subscription. The memorial was designed and made by Thomas Elliott, a monumental stonemason from Leamington Spa. A local newspaper, in a piece entitled Birdingbury War Memorial: Sunday’s Unveiling Ceremony, reported:

“The Cross is of Upton Wood stone, and of a unique design, patented by Mr. Thomas Elliott… It stands about 15 feet high, on a massive base, the foundation being of concrete, prepared by voluntary labour. Subscriptions amounting to £80 were raised by the parishioners to defray the cost… We understand that this is the only four-sided cross in England, and standing as it does at a cross-roads, the effect is good”.

Further names were added to the memorial following the end of the Second World War to commemorate those who had fallen. The structure was cleaned and repaired in 2014 with the help of a grant from War Memorials Trust.

Reasons for Listing

Birdingbury War Memorial is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
* Historic interest: as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: a robust memorial with a cross of unusual four-sided design.

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q26677540

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.

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