Summary

First World War memorial with further names added after the Second World War.

Description

MATERIALS: granite.

DESCRIPTION: Kirk and Little Smeaton War Memorial is situated in a small enclosure defined by a low granite kerb which is filled with shingle. It comprises a tapering pillar surmounted by an urn. The pillar rises from a three-tiered plinth and a single-step base, all constructed of grey granite. The names and dedication to the men of Kirk and Little Smeaton who died whilst serving during the First and Second World Wars are incised on the faces of the plinth. A decorative foliate design is also incised into the plinth and the pillar.

The inscription on the front face of the memorial reads: IN/ MEMORY OF/ THOSE WHO FELL/ IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914 - 1918/ (NAMES)/ ALSO/ (NAMES)/ 1939 – 1945. On the side face of the memorial is the inscription: KIRK AND LITTLE/ SMEATON/ ROLL OF HONOUR/ (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 England, both as a result of the huge impact the loss of three quarters of a million British lives had on communities and the official policy of not repatriating the dead, which meant that the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss.

One such memorial was raised at Kirk Smeaton 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.  It commemorates 58 local servicemen who served during the First World War, seven of whom died.  Following the Second World War, a dedication was added to commemorate the two fallen of that conflict.

In 2013 the memorial was conserved and two names added with the help of grant aid from War Memorials Trust.

Reasons for Listing

Kirk and Little Smeaton 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 this community, and the sacrifices it has made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: a solemn granite urn memorial with carved decorative details;
* Group value: with the Church of St Peter (listed at Grade II*).

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q66477713

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

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