Summary
First World War memorial, 1920, with Second World War additions.
Description
First World War Memorial, 1920, with Second World War additions.
MATERIALS: Langdale slate
DESCRIPTION: Langdale War Memorial is located in the churchyard of the Church of the Holy Trinity, Chapel Stile, it is prominently situated close by the path leading to the church entrance. It comprises a plain wheel cross on a two-tiered base, surmounting a wall, with projecting three-course piers to either side, flanking a canted inscribed rectangular tablet that records the 26 names of the Fallen of the First World War. A rectangular forecourt filled with stone chippings is situated to the front of the wall, enclosed by a low curb; it contains a secondary tablet that records the five names of the Fallen of the Second World War. The main inscription reads: THE GREAT WAR 1914-1919/ THIS MEMORIAL BEARING THE NAMES OF LANGDALE MEN WHO FELL IN ACTION/ DIED OF WOUNDS OR OTHER CAUSES WAS ERECTED BY THE PARISIONERS AS A/ LASTING RECORD OF THEIR BRAVERY, PATRIOTISM AND DEVOTION TO THE EMPIRE, while the secondary inscription simply reads: THE SECOND WORLD WAR 1939 – 1945.
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: therefore the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss.
The memorial is situated in the churchyard to the west of the listed Grade II Church of the Holy Trinity, Chapel Stile. The memorial commemorates local servicemen who fell during the First World War. The memorial was designed by architect Jonathan Stables of Ambleside. It appears that its construction was delayed due to problems with the building industry in the area. The memorial was unveiled on 26 September 1920 by Mr F E T Jones-Balme of High Close, Ambleside and dedicated by the Vicar. Following the Second World War, a tablet was added at the base of the memorial to commemorate the men who fell in that conflict.
Reasons for Listing
Langdale War Memorial, 1920, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
Historic interest:
* as an eloquent witness to the tragic impacts of world events on this small farming and quarrying community, and the sacrifices it made in the conflicts of the C20.
Architectural interest:
* it is a dignified monument executed in good quality materials, which provides an elegant and fitting tribute to the Fallen of the district from both World Wars.
Group value:
* the memorial benefits from a spatial group value with the listed Grade II Church of the Holy Trinity, Chapel Stile.
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
Listed Buildings: The Law and Practice of History Buildings, Ancient Monuments and Conservation Areas
Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover
London 3: North West: North West v. 3 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Churches: An Architectural Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
Old House Care and Repair
Essex: Buildings of England Series (Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)