Summary
First World War memorial cross.
Description
The stone memorial stands to the south of the chapel building (unlisted) in the cemetery on the east side of the Melksham Road. It comprises a slender Latin cross, octagonal in section, rising from a tapering octagonal shaft that stands on a two-stage square plinth with an octagonal base.
The main inscription, in lettering carved in low relief, runs around the upper stage of the plinth, reading from face to face THEY SLEEP WITH THE EMPIRE'S BEST AND NOBLEST SONS/ WHO IN THE GLORIOUS MORNING OF THEIR DAY/ FOR ENGLAND'S SAKE LOST ALL BUT ENGLAND'S PRAISE. The names are recorded on the front face of the lower stage.
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: therefore the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss.
One such memorial was raised at Notton as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by four members of the community who lost their lives in the First World War. The memorial now stands in Lacock cemetery, having been moved from its original location because of a road scheme.
Reasons for Listing
Notton War Memorial, which stands in Lacock cemetery, 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 First World War.
Architectural interest:
* a simple yet poignant memorial cross;
* unusually, the memorial has not been adapted for Second World War commemoration, and thus retains its original design intent.
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
Oxfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Hampshire: South (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
For the Record
Bedfordshire, Huntingdonshire, and Peterborough (Pevsner Architectural Guides): Written by Charles O'Brien, 2014 Edition, Publisher: Yale University Press [Hardcover]
Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover
County Durham (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England) by Elizabeth Williamson Nikolaus Pevsner(1983-03-11)