Summary
First World War memorial cross, with later additions for the Second World War.
Description
The limestone war memorial cross stands on the southern edge of the churchyard of the Church of All Saints (Grade I-listed). It comprises a Latin cross-head on a collared cross shaft, octagonal in section. The shaft rises from a two-stage plinth, square on plan, that stands on a large base. The lower stage of the plinth is formed of limestone ashlar, with knapped facing flints visible on three sides. The base is formed of flint cobbles with a stone cap.
The principal dedicatory inscription is recorded on the front face of the shouldered upper stage of the plinth. It reads REMEMBER/ THOSE/ WHO DIED/ FOR KING AND COUNTRY/ 1914 1919. The commemorated First World War names are listed on the other faces. The Second World War dedication, to the front face of the lower stage of the plinth, reads 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 Wreningham as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by 11 members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. At least one name, and possibly two, was added in the later 1920s. Following the Second World War the names of five men who died in that conflict were added to the memorial.
Reasons for Listing
Wreningham 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 memorial cross incorporating knapped flint-work with freestone.
Group value:
* with the Church of All Saints (Grade I-listed).
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
Staffordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990: Updated version
Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
Surrey (The Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Hampshire: South (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Gwent/Monmouthshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Wales)