Summary
A First World War memorial with later additions for the Second World War.
Description
Godshill War Memorial is located in the memorial garden on Church Hill.
It consists of a limestone pillar with a pyramidal cap. The pillar is square in section with chamfered corners and the front face is carved with a downward pointing sword of sacrifice and a wreath. The pillar rises from a tapering square plinth with chamfered corners on a stepped base.
The front face of the plinth carries the inscription TO THE GLORY OF/ GOD AND SACRED/ TO THE MEMORY/ OF THE MEN OF/ GODSHILL WHO DIED/ FOR THEIR COUNTRY/ IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914 – 1919. The names of the fallen from the First World War are incised into the other faces of the plinth. The top step is further incised 1939 – 1945/ (NAMES).
The memorial is approached by a shingle path across an area of green and is surrounded by a low metal post and chain link fence.
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. One such memorial was raised at Godshill 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 14 local servicemen who died during the First World War; following the Second World War a dedication was added to commemorate the four fallen of that conflict.
The memorial was originally located on School Road but was relocated in 2000.
Reasons for Listing
Godshill War Memorial, Godshill, 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 has made in the conflicts of the C20.
Architectural interest:
* in its simple but handsome form.
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
Lancashire: Liverpool and the South-West (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Department for Communities Listed Historic Buildings of Northern Ireland: Information Guide for the 2nd Survey of Historic Buildings
Devon (Pevsner Buildings of England)
A Buying and Owning a Listed Building: A Brief Guide
For the Record
Building Small Projects (New Best of Fine Woodworking)