Summary
First World War memorial, unveiled 1921, with later additions for the Second World War.
Description
The memorial stands in the churchyard, to the north-east of the Church of All Saints (Grade I). It comprises a plain Latin cross on a tapering plinth, with a two-stepped base. The cross and plinth are of red Aberdeen granite, and the base is of concrete. The memorial is enclosed by low iron posts and rails, ornamented with an oval to each side containing a cross, forming a square around its base.
The main inscription in leaded lettering on the front face of the cross reads TO THE/ GLORY/ OF/ GOD/ AND IN LOVING MEMORY OF/ OUR DEAR ONES/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES/ FOR/ KING/ AND/ COUNTRY/ IN/ THE/ GREAT/ WAR/ 1914/ –/ 1918. The names of 16 servicemen are recorded on the front face of the plinth.
A further inscription in leaded lettering on the west face of the plinth reads ALSO/ THE MEN WHO FELL/ IN THE WORLD WAR/ 1939 – 1945/ (2 NAMES). A small brass plaque is fixed to the upper step of the base.
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 Brandeston as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who died in the First World War. The memorial was erected by Messrs Clary and Wright (builders). It was unveiled on Sunday 1 May 1921 by Charles Austin and consecrated by the Rector, Dr RO Davies.
The names of two parishioners who died during the Second World War were subsequently added to the memorial. The memorial was originally located in the village cemetery, but was moved to the churchyard of the Church of All Saints (Grade I) in 1985. The name of one First World War serviceman has been added, following research by a local historian.
Reasons for Listing
Brandeston War Memorial, which stands in the churchyard, 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 poignant war memorial cross surrounded by ornamental railings.
Group value:
* with the Church of All Saints (Grade I), the entrance gateway to Brandeston Hall (including attached walling) (Grade II), and Brandeston Hall (Grade II*).
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
Georgian Style and Design for Contemporary Living
Herefordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Berkshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Central Leinster: Kildare, Laois and Offaly (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Ireland)
Listed Buildings and Other Heritage Assets
London 4: North: North v. 4 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)