Summary
First World War memorial, unveiled 1920, with later additions for the Second World War.
Description
The granite memorial stands in the road junction at the centre of North Brentor, facing Christ Church (Grade II-listed) which stands c120m to the south-east. It takes the form of a slim Latin cross, hexagonal in section, rising from a small pedestal. The pedestal stands on a deep two-stepped base, each step having a narrow cornice for the laying of wreaths and floral tributes.
The principal dedicatory inscription is recorded on a cast bronze plaque on the south-east facing side of the pedestal. It reads: TO THE GLORY OF GOD/ & IN UNDYING MEMORY OF/ BRAVE MEN WHO GAVE/ THEIR LIVES FOR US/ IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914 – 1918. The commemorated First World War names are listed on similar plaques to either side of the pedestal, whilst the later Second World War name is recorded in applied metal lettering on the north-west face.
A small timber bench stands against the south-east side of the memorial.
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. This was the result of both the huge impact on communities of the loss of three quarters of a million British lives, and also 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 North Brentor as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by 18 members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. The memorial was unveiled in October 1920 by Brigadier-General FA Dudgeon CB, at an ecumenical service led by the Vicar, Reverend ARO Apps, with the United Methodists’ Minister Reverend WH Tubb. Following the Second World War the name of one sailor who died in that conflict was added to the memorial. As this name is not recorded on the Roll of Honour in the church, the cross is the only place where that casualty is publicly commemorated.
Reasons for Listing
Brentor War Memorial, which stands in North Brentor, 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 made in the conflicts of the C20;
Architectural interest:
* As a simple yet elegant Latin cross in granite;
Group value:
* With Christ Church (Grade II-listed).
External Links
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
Listed Buildings: The Law and Practice of Historic Buildings, Ancient Monuments and Conservation Areas
A Buying and Owning a Listed Building: A Brief Guide
London 3: North West: North West v. 3 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Department for Communities Listed Historic Buildings of Northern Ireland: Information Guide for the 2nd Survey of Historic Buildings
Old House Eco Handbook: A Practical Guide to Retrofitting for Energy-Efficiency & Sustainability
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