Summary

First World War memorial, c. 1920, with later additions for the Second World War.

Description

First World War memorial, c. 1920, with later additions for the Second World War.

DESCRIPTION: the war memorial is a c.4.5 m high cross with a floriated wheel head
and square-sectioned shaft – both elaborately carved - of sandstone, set on a two-stage square limestone plinth, itself on a shallow square base. A low, square, vase stands on each corner of the plinth. The plinth carries the inscription

IN MEMORY OF (names) MEN OF GRENDON, OUR GALLANT DEAD/ WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914-1919/ with on the lower stage of the plinth ‘JESUS SAID, I AM THE/ RESURECTION AND THE LIFE.’/ ST JOHN XI.25

On one side of the plinth is the additional inscription ALSO/ IN MEMORY OF/ (names)

WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES/ IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1939-1945/ THEY SHALL NOT GROW OLD

This List entry has been amended to add the source for War Memorials Register. This source was not used in the compilation of this List entry but is added here as a guide for further reading, 17 January 2017.

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. One such memorial was raised at Grendon, c 1920, as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community, who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars. The memorial stands in the south-east corner of the churchyard of the church of St Mary (Grade II*), overlooking Main Road.

Reasons for Listing

Grendon War Memorial, in the churchyard of St Mary’s church, is listed at Grade II for the following 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;
* Design: a well-executed, elaborate, stone cross;
* Group value: with the Grade II*-listed church of St Mary.

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q26677883

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

• 
  Sussex: East with Brighton and Hove (Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  For the Record
• 
  Somerset: South and West (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Cornwall (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Nottinghamshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Listed Buildings: The Law and Practice of History Buildings, Ancient Monuments and Conservation Areas