Summary
First World War memorial cross, unveiled 1920, with later additions for the Second World War.
Description
MATERIALS: granite cross, base and pedestal with stone kerbing, metal posts and chains.
DESCRIPTION: the c5m tall Dartmoor granite memorial stands on The Green, in close proximity to a number of Grade II-listed buildings. It takes the form of a plain Latin cross, rising from a small pedestal that stands on a broad three-stepped base.
The principal dedicatory inscription to the front face of the pedestal reads TO THE/ UNDYING MEMORY OF THE MEN/ OF THIS PARISH WHO GAVE THEIR/ LIVES FOR KING AND COUNTRY/ IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914 - 1918/ LEST WE FORGET with below, on the upper step, ALSO OF/ THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES/ FOR THEIR KING AND COUNTRY/ IN THE WAR 1939 – 1945. The commemorated names are listed on the pedestal and upper step.
SUBSIDIARY FEATURES: the memorial cross stands in a square enclosure demarcated by stone kerbing, and with eight metal posts. The posts have finials and carry double chains around the enclosure.
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, 22 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. 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 Morchard Bishop as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by 23 members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. The cross was provided and erected by W Osborne of Okehampton. Nearing completion in May 1920, the memorial was unveiled on 11 July by the Earl of Portsmouth at a well-attended ecumenical service. It was dedicated by the Rector, Reverend HS Watkins. Following the Second World War further names were added to commemorate those who died in that conflict. The memorial was refurbished in 2014.
Reasons for Listing
Morchard Bishop War Memorial, which stands on The Green, 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:
* A tall an imposing memorial cross in granite standing in a prominent position on The Green.
Group value:
* With numerous Grade II-listed buildings around The Green.
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
Kent: West and the Weald: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Gloucestershire 1: The Cotswolds: Cotswolds Pt. 1 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Yorkshire: York and the East Riding (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Lancashire: Manchester and the South-East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover
Essex: Buildings of England Series (Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)