Summary

First World War memorial, 1921, with later additions for the Second World War.

Description

First World War memorial, 1921, with later additions for the Second World War.

MATERIALS: constructed of granite.

DESCRIPTION: Celtic cross on a double stone plinth set on a mound. Names of fallen are embossed on 3 bronze plaques fixed to the rear and sides of the base.

Inscription: TO THE GLORY OF GOD/ AND IN MEMORY OF THE/ MEN OF WEST WICKHAM/ WHO SERVED AND FELL/ IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914-1918./ THIS INSCRIPTION IS ADDED IN REMEMBRANCE/ OF THOSE MEN AND WOMEN WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES/ 1939 - 1945.
Other sides: (NAMES).

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 the country. Erected by Messrs Farmer and Brindley, on land donated by Mrs McAndrew, West Wickham was one such memorial. The memorial was originally located in the High Street, near Sherwood Avenue. It was unveiled on Sunday 12 June 1921 by Lt-Colonel Vansittart, one time commander of the 8th Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment, and the dedication was by the Rector, the Rev. H Bertie Roberts. The 'Last Post' was sounded by Sergeant Bartlett, Corporal Winch and Corporal Doughty of the 1st Cadet Battalion, RWK Regiment.

The memorial was moved in 1939 to Corkscrew Hill and re-dedicated by the Bishop of Croydon on 22 December 1939. An additional plaque was unveiled on Sunday 10 November 1946, during the Remembrance Day Parade by the Deputy Mayor of Beckenham Councillor TW Mallett. The service was conducted by the Rector of St John's the Rev. JP Gough and the Rev. TM Morrow (Methodist Church). Mr Grover of the British Legion and Home Guard Association sounded the 'Last Post'.

Reasons for Listing

West Wickham War Memorial, unveiled in 1921, 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 sacrifices it made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: a simple yet elegant memorial cross.

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q66477663

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

• 
  Hampshire: South (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
• 
  Essex: Buildings of England Series (Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Yorkshire West Riding: Leeds, Bradford and the North (Pevsner Architectural Guides / Buildings of England)
• 
  Worcestershire Revised Edition (Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Nottinghamshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)