Summary
First World War memorial, approximately 1920, with Second World War additions.
Description
First World War memorial, approximately 1920.
MATERIALS: grey granite.
DESCRIPTION: Salters Lode War Memorial is located to the south side of the A1122 at the edge of Salter’s Lode village, Norfolk. It comprises a rough-hewn wheel-head cross with Sword of Sacrifice to the face, on a plinth with a two-stepped base. The lower shaft, plinth and upper step bear the inscriptions in leaded lettering.
The inscription reads GREAT WAR/ 1914 – 1919/ TO THE MEMORY/ OF THE/ GALLANT FALLEN/ FROM THIS PARISH// (NAMES)// AND OF 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 Salters Lode as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.
Salters Lode memorial stands on the south side of the A1122, between the road and Well Creek, reached and encircled by a small path and now enclosed by metal railings with gold-painted finials at the corners. It was presumably erected in approximately 1920. The memorial commemorates 18 local servicemen who fell in the First World War and six men who fell in the Second World War.
Reasons for Listing
Salters Lode War Memorial, which is situated at the edge of the village by the roadside of the A1122, 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:
* as a simple but well-executed granite cross.
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
Churches: An Architectural Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
Suffolk: East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Harrow on the Hill: A photographic portrayal of listed buildings and structures (Historic Buildings Picture Guides)
London 4: North: North v. 4 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Central Leinster: Kildare, Laois and Offaly (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Ireland)
Kent: North East and East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)