Summary
A First World War memorial, built 1920; altered after the Second World War.
Description
A First World War memorial, built 1920; altered after the Second World War.
MATERIALS: granite.
DESCRIPTION: the memorial stands in a prominent roadside location to the east of the Church of St Margaret (Grade II*).
The memorial comprises a plain Latin cross with a gently tapering octagonal shaft on a three-tiered octagonal plinth and single-stepped octagonal base.
On the upper tier of the plinth around five sides are inscribed in leaded lettering the 69 names of the fallen. On the middle tier of the plinth is inscribed THEIR NAME/ LIVETH FOR/ EVERMORE; and on the lower tier of the plinth1914 – 1918. An additional inscription in leaded lettering has the names of the 23 who were lost in World War Two on the remaining faces of the upper tier of the plinth, with the dates 1939-1945 on the lower tier.
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 750,000 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 Topsham, as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by 69 members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.
The memorial was unveiled and dedicated on Sunday 28 November 1920 by the vicar, Reverend Guy Halliday. The cost of the memorial was approximately £200 which was met by public subscription.
The names of 23 parishioners who were lost during the Second World War were subsequently added to the memorial.
Reasons for Listing
Topsham War Memorial, which stands in a prominent roadside location to the east of the Church of St Margaret, 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 elegant example of a plain Latin cross type of memorial;
Group value
* with the Grade II*-listed Church of St Margaret.
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
Pevsner's Architectural Glossary (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
Herefordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
ENGLAND GUIDE TO POST WAR LISTED: A Guide to Post-war Listed Buildings
Old House Care and Repair
Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Monuments
Drawing up a Local Listed Building Consent Order: Historic England Advice Note 6