Summary

A First World War memorial of c.1920, altered by the addition of the names of the fallen of the Second World War.

Description

A First World War memorial of c.1920, altered by the addition of the names of the fallen of the Second World War.

MATERIALS
The memorial is constructed from stone.

DESCRIPTION
The memorial takes the form of a small celtic cross which sits atop a tall column. The three-stepped base of the column supports a tapering plinth upon which are affixed four plaques in stone surrounds with carved ballflower decoration. The Second World War plaque takes the form of a shield against the stepped base.

The inscription, around the base of the plinth, reads, "IN HONOURED MEMORY/ OF THE BRAVE MEN OF THIS VILLAGE/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THIS COUNTRY/ IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 - 1919 (NAMES)/ 1939 - 1945 (NAMES)".

The circular shaft of the column supports a fluted capstone decorated with carved wheatsheaf and grapes, and symbols carved on each face. Above this the cross sits on a three-stepped base.

SUBSIDIARY FEATURES
The memorial sits in a small enclosure with metal railings.

This List entry has been amended to add sources for War Memorials Online and the War Memorials Register. These sources were not used in the compilation of this List entry but are added here as a guide for further reading, 14 December 2016.

History

The memorial was erected after the First World War, as part of the great wave of commemoration of the sacrifice of the fallen made by communities across the country. It was sited on a prominent position on the main road through the village. Following the Second World War, an additional plaque was added commemorating the losses of that conflict.

Reasons for Listing

Meare 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 during the conflicts of the C20;
* Design: a well-executed stone cross.

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q26677791

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

• 
  Hertfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Listed Buildings and Other Heritage Assets
• 
  Harrow on the Hill: A photographic portrayal of listed buildings and structures (Historic Buildings Picture Guides)
• 
  The Shredded Chef: 120 Recipes for Building Muscle, Getting Lean, and Staying Healthy
• 
  Sussex: East with Brighton and Hove (Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Historic Environment Law: Planning, Listed Buildings, Monuments, Conservation Areas and Objects by Harwood, Richard (2012) Paperback