Summary

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

Description

Coton War Memorial is located within the churchyard of St Peter’s Church, Coton. It consists of a stone short rectangular wall upon a chamfered base which is set upon a single-stepped base.

The memorial carries the inscription in incised painted lettering on the front and rear faces and reads: IN MEMORY OF THE COTON MEN WHO FELL IN THE/ GREAT WAR 1914 – 1918 (NAMES)/ THEY DIED FOR ENGLAND LET US LIVE FOR ENGLAND. The side face has a later dedication for the Second World War: 1939 – 1945/ (NAME).

This List entry has been amended to add the source for War Memorials Register. This source was not used in the compilation of this List entry but is added here as a guide for further reading, 17 February 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 the country, 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 Coton 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 17 local servicemen who fell during the First World War. 

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

Reasons for Listing

Coton 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 simple yet dignified memorial wall with fine lettering;
* Group value: with St Peter’s Church (Grade I).

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q66478172

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

• 
  Pevsner's Architectural Glossary (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
• 
  Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover
• 
  Somerset: South and West (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Liverpool: Pevsner City Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: City Guides)
• 
  Gloucestershire 1: The Cotswolds: Cotswolds Pt. 1 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Sussex: West (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)