Summary
War memorial, unveiled in 1921.
Description
War memorial unveiled in 1921.
MATERIALS: cornish granite.
DESCRIPTION: the memorial stands approximately 12ft high, and comprises a Celtic cross on a tapering shaft and two-stepped octagonal plinth. The memorial is surrounded by an oval shaped course of stone walls and railings, with an opening to the north, which is believed to be a C21 addition and thus not assessed for listing. The front, north face of the shaft is inscribed as follows:
THESE MEN/ OF BRIMPTON/ WHOSE NAMES ARE/ HERE INSCRIBED/ GAVE THEIR LIVES/ FOR FREEDOM/ AND HONOUR/ IN THE/ GREAT WAR/ 1914-1918/ (NAMES)/ THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR/ EVERMORE.
The top step of the plinth was later inscribed 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, both as a result of the huge impact the loss of three quarters of a million British lives had on communities, and the official policy of not repatriating the dead, which meant that the memorials provided the main focus for the grief felt at this great loss.
One such memorial was raised at Brimpton, West Berkshire, as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. Brimpton War Memorial was unveiled by Admiral of the Fleet, Sir Arthur Fanshawe GCB GCVO, at a dedication service on 16 January 1921. The memorial commemorates 22 members of the parish who died in the First World War. Following the Second World War, the names of two more individuals were also added. The builder is presently unknown.
It is understood that the surrounding stone walls and railings were added during refurbishment in 2000 and are not assessed for listing.
Reasons for Listing
Brimpton War Memorial is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
Architectural interest:
* as a well-crafted Celtic cross.
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.
Group value:
* with three nearby listed buildings, including the Church of St Peter (Grade II, List entry 1117302).
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
Historic Environment Law: Planning, Listed Buildings, Monuments, Conservation Areas and Objects by Harwood, Richard (2012) Paperback
Old House Care and Repair
Cork: City and County (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Ireland)
Derbyshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Pioneers of Modern Design: From William Morris to Walter Gropius (Penguin Art & Architecture)
Hampshire: Winchester and the North (The Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)