Summary

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

Description

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

MATERIALS: Portland stone.

DESCRIPTION: the cross is modified version of Blomfield’s Cross of Sacrifice with a tall Latin cross with a bronze carving of a downward pointing sword. It is set into an octagonal plinth. The front (south-east) face of the plinth is inscribed: TO / THE MEMORY / OF THE MEN / OF THIS PARISH / WHO FELL IN / THE GREAT WAR / MDCCCCXIV / MDCCCCXVIII / ALSO WORLD WAR / 1939-1945. The north-west face carries a second inscription which reads: SEE YE TO IT / THAT THESE / SHALL NOT / HAVE DIED / IN VAIN. The other sides are inscribed with the names of the Fallen. The plinth rests upon a base with a capping stone; and the whole stands on three octagonal steps.

This list entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 04/10/2016

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, 18 January 2017.

History

The war memorial in Claines was unveiled in 1920, as part of the great wave of commemoration of the sacrifice made by the Fallen from communities across the country, following the First World War. It stands within the churchyard of St John Baptist’s Church and is a reduced version of Sir Reginald Blomfield’s Cross of Sacrifice. One source (Pevsner, 2007) attributes its design to Blomfield. It commemorates the 27 men from the parish who lost their lives during the First World War. After the Second World War a further inscription commemorating the Fallen from that conflict was added.

Reasons for Listing

Claines War Memorial of 1920 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 in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: a well-designed and carved stone memorial based upon Blomfield’s Cross of Sacrifice;
* Group value: with the Grade II*-listed Church of St John Baptist which forms its backdrop.

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q66477840

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

• 
  Oxfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Northumberland (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  A Buying and Owning a Listed Building: A Brief Guide
• 
  Herefordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
• 
  London 6: Westminster (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England): Westminster v. 6