Summary
First World War memorial, early 1920s, with later additions for the Second World War.
Description
First World War memorial, early 1920s, with later additions for the Second World War.
MATERIALS: constructed from limestone.
PLAN: the memorial stands on the roadside, on the northern boundary of the burial ground.
DESCRIPTION: the memorial comprises a Latin cross with chamfered edges, mounted on a tapering octagonal shaft, upon a square plinth and three-stepped base. The main inscription is in incised lettering on the north face of the plinth; it reads: ‘IN PROUD AND GRATEFUL MEMORY / OF THE MEN OF THIS PLACE / WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR US / IN THE GREAT WAR 1914-1919 / AND IN / 1939 – 1945’. The names of 20 fallen parishioners are inscribed on the south face of the plinth.
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 the official policy of not repatriating the dead. Memorials, therefore, provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss.
One such memorial was raised at Great Witley as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. No date, nor details of the erection of the memorial have been found, though typically, war memorials in small settlements such as this were funded by public subscription, and were built in the few years immediately after the war.
In common with other most other First World War memorials, a subsequent dedication was added to those who fell in the Second World War.
Reasons for Listing
Great Witley War Memorial 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:
* as a simple yet well-constructed and evocative example of a Latin cross memorial.
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
Kent: West and the Weald: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Huddersfield in 50 Buildings
Suffolk: East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
For the Record
Drawing up a Local Listed Building Consent Order: Historic England Advice Note 6
Essex: Buildings of England Series (Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)