Summary
First World War memorial, approximately 1920, with 1947 Palestine addition.
Description
First World War memorial, approximately 1920.
MATERIALS: grey granite.
DESCRIPTION: Bridgham War Memorial is located in the churchyard of the Church of St Mary, The Street, Bridgham, Norfolk. It is prominently situated by the churchyard path, just to the side of the porch. It comprises a polished grey granite Latin cross upon a three-tiered plinth and simple square base.
The faces of the plinth bear the First World War inscription and names in leaded lettering. The inscription reads IN GRATEFUL/ MEMORY OF THE/ MEN WHO GAVE/ THEIR LIVES IN THE/ GREAT WAR 1914 – 1918/ (NAMES).
Another face of the plinth bears the inscription PALESTINE 1947/ (NAME).
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 Bridgham as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.
Bridgham War Memorial, like many Norfolk war memorials, was situated within the churchyard. It represents the fallen of Bridgham and Roudham. The memorial was presumably erected around 1920. The memorial commemorates 19 local servicemen who fell in the First World War and one man who fell in Palestine in 1947.
The memorial was renovated in 1936. The names were raised in lead, and gilt, and a service of rededication was held on Sunday 4 October 1936.
Reasons for Listing
Bridgham War Memorial, which is situated in St Mary’s 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 this local community, and the sacrifices it has made in the conflicts of the C20.
Architectural interest:
* a simple but well-executed granite cross.
Group value:
* with the Grade II*-listed Church of St Mary and the Grade II-listed Rectory.
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
Bedfordshire, Huntingdonshire, and Peterborough (Pevsner Architectural Guides): Written by Charles O'Brien, 2014 Edition, Publisher: Yale University Press [Hardcover]
Bristol (Pevsner Architectural Guides: City Guides)
Old House Eco Handbook: A Practical Guide to Retrofitting for Energy-Efficiency & Sustainability
Listed Buildings and Other Heritage Assets
Listed Buildings: The Law and Practice of History Buildings, Ancient Monuments and Conservation Areas
Wiltshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)