Summary
First World War memorial unveiled 29 May 1921, with later additions for the Second World War.
Description
First World War memorial, 1921, with additions for later conflicts.
DESCRIPTION: Walcott War Memorial is located to the north-west of the Grade-II listed St Oswald’s Church, Walcott, within a gravelled enclosure with a hedge on three sides and a wrought-iron fence on the side facing the road. It is of Clipsham stone with green inset slate panels. It stands 4.5m in height and is formed of an octagonal column which rises from a four-sided plinth and double-stepped base, with the column terminating in a foliated cross. The south-west panel, which faces the road, and the south-east panel are inscribed in black lettering. The south-west face reads: TO OUR GLORIOUS DEAD/ IN MEMORY OF/ [NAMES]/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN/ THE GREAT WAR/ 1914 – 1919. The south-east face reads: ALSO TO THE MEMORY/ OF THOSE WHO DIED IN/ THE WAR/ 1939 – 1945/ [NAMES].
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 Walcott as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.
Walcott War Memorial was unveiled on the 29 May 1921. It was constructed by Messrs William Henry Maxey and Sons, building contractors of Sleaford. At a ceremony attended by members of the local community and clergy, relatives and ex-servicemen the memorial was unveiled by the Revd Robert Oborne Walker, Rector of Aswarby and a former Chaplain of the Forces. It was dedicated by the Revd William Cole Ambrose of Billingham. Following the Second World War, two names were added to the memorial.
Reasons for Listing
Walcott War Memorial, which is situated outside St Oswald's Church on the High Street in Walcott, 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 sacrifices it has made in the conflicts of the C20.
Architectural interest:
* an elegant and ornate Clipsham stone floriated cross.
Group value:
* with the Grade II-listed St Oswald's Church.
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
Northumberland (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair
Hampshire: South (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Georgian Style and Design for Contemporary Living
Listed Buildings: The Law and Practice of History Buildings, Ancient Monuments and Conservation Areas
Pevsner's Architectural Glossary (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)