Summary

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

Description

MATERIALS: rough-hewn granite.

DESCRIPTION: Knapton War Memorial comprises a Latin cross which rises from a plinth with polished recessed panels which hold the lead inscriptions. The whole sits on a single-stepped square base.

The front face of the plinth holds the inscription which reads TO THE GLORY OF GOD/ AND/ IN PROUD AND GRATEFUL MEMORY OF/ THE MEN OF THIS PARISH WHO FELL IN/ THE GREAT WAR 1914 – 1918/ (NAMES).

Another face of the plinth holds the inscription from the Second World War and reads AND THE WORLD WAR/ 1939 – 1945/ (NAMES)

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, 23 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, 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 Knapton 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 seven local servicemen who fell during the First World War. 

Following the Second World War, a dedication was added to commemorate the three fallen of that conflict.

In 2010 the lead lettering was conserved with the help of grant aid from War Memorials Trust.

Reasons for Listing

Knapton 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 the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: a simple yet dignified granite memorial cross;
* Group value: with the Church of St Peter and St Paul (Grade I).

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q66477897

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.

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