Summary

First World War memorial, 1921.

Description

The tall wooden memorial stands to the south-east of the church of St Peter (not listed). It takes the form of a large hooded Calvary overlooking the junction of Farm Lane and Long Shoot Road. The figure of Christ Crucified, carved in the round, overshadows a rectangular metal plaque fixed to the lower part of the cross shaft. The principal dedicatory inscription on this plaque reads LIVE THOU FOR/ ENGLAND/ WE FOR ENGLAND/ DIED./ 1914 – 1919./ (15 NAMES).

This List entry has been amended to add the source for War Memorials Online. This source was not used in the compilation of this List entry but is added here as a guide for further reading, 23 November 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 outside St Peter's Church in Lower Withington as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community,who lost their lives in the First World War. Withington War Memorial was unveiled and dedicated by the Bishop of Chester on 9 September 1921, commemorating 15 local servicemen who died.

Reasons for Listing

Withington War Memorial, which stands at the junction of Farm Lane and Long Shoot Road, 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 local community, and the sacrifice it has made in the First World War;
* Sculptural interest: an imposing and well-carved Calvary memorial, unusually in timber;
* Degree of survival: unusually, the memorial has not been adapted for Second World War commemoration and thus retains its original design intent.

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q66477843

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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  Old House Eco Handbook: A Practical Guide to Retrofitting for Energy-Efficiency & Sustainability
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  Harrow on the Hill: A photographic portrayal of listed buildings and structures (Historic Buildings Picture Guides)
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  A Buying and Owning a Listed Building: A Brief Guide
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  Worcestershire Revised Edition (Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)