Summary

First World War memorial, unveiled on 15 February 1921, with further names added after the Second World War.

Description

MATERIALS: Sandstone cross, metal figure of Christ.

DESCRIPTION: Wybunbury War Memorial comprises a sandstone Calvary cross with a metal figure of Christ. The cross rises from a tapering shaft which is set on top of a square plinth.

The inscriptions on the plinth are raised and the First World War dedication on the front face of reads: REMEMBER O LORD FOR GOOD THE / MEN OF THIS PARISH WHO DIED FOR KING / AND COUNTRY 1914 1919 / (NAMES).

On the rear face of the memorial is simply: 1939 – 1945 / (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 Wybunbury as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. It commemorates 53 local servicemen who died during the First World War and was dedicated and unveiled on 15 February 1921 by the Bishop of Chester. 

Following the Second World War, a dedication was added to commemorate the nine fallen of that conflict. In 2011 repairs were undertaken to the memorial and in 2013 hardstanding was introduced to improve access, both with the help of grant aid from War Memorials Trust.

Reasons for Listing

Wybunbury War Memorial, unveiled on 15 February 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 this community, and the sacrifices it has made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: a well-carved example of a sandstone Calvary cross.

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q26678154

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)
• 
  Hampshire: Winchester and the North (The Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Churches: An Architectural Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
• 
  Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990: Updated version
• 
  Norfolk 1: Norwich and North-East: Norwich and North-east v. 1 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  The green guide for historic buildings: how to improve the environmental performance of listed and historic buildings