Summary
First World War memorial cross, unveiled 1921, with Second World War and Falklands Conflict additions.
Description
The grey granite memorial cross is located in the churchyard of the Church of St Mary (Grade I-listed). It is prominently situated by the churchyard path near to the church’s round tower. It comprises a c2.5m rough-hewn wheel-head cross with a sword of sacrifice carved in relief on the front face. The cross stands on a low tapering plinth with a single-stepped base and a cobbled foundation.
The plinth carries the inscriptions in applied metal lettering. The principal dedication reads 1914 – 1918./ TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN/ MEMORY OF THE MEN OF THIS PARISH/ WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR/ (12 NAMES)/ "MAY THEY REST IN PEACE."/ "THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE"
A small rectangular granite tablet placed on the front step of the base reads 1982 FALKLAND ISLANDS/ (NAME). Below, on the riser of the base, the Second World War dedication reads 1939 - 1945 (NAME)/ ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO WENT OUT FROM THE PARISH/ TO SERVE IN THIS WAR RETURNED SAFELY/ THANKS BE TO GOD.
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 Syderstone as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. Made by Messrs Maile and Son Ltd, it was unveiled on 2 October 1921 in commemoration of 12 local servicemen who died in the First World War. The names of one man who died in the Second World War, and one in the Falklands Conflict, have since been added to the memorial.
Messrs G Maile and Son Ltd of Euston Road, London, were sculptors and church furnishers. The firm was responsible for building numerous war memorials across the country, many of which are listed.
Reasons for Listing
Syderstone War Memorial Cross, 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 granite war memorial cross, in the Celtic style.
Group value:
* with the Church of St Mary (Grade I).
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
ENGLAND GUIDE TO POST WAR LISTED: A Guide to Post-war Listed Buildings
The green guide for historic buildings: how to improve the environmental performance of listed and historic buildings
Kent: North East and East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Wiltshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Monuments
Historic Environment Law: Planning, Listed Buildings, Monuments, Conservation Areas and Objects by Harwood, Richard (2012) Paperback