Summary
First World War memorial, with later additions for the Second World War.
Description
First World War memorial, with later additions for the Second World War.
DESCRIPTION: the war memorial is situated prominently within the churchyard to the south of the Church of St Mary (Grade II*). It is carved from granite and comprises a Latin cross on a tall octagonal shaft with a three-stepped octagonal base.
The upper section of the base has the inscription in lead lettering: IN MEMORY OF THE FALLEN 1914 1919 on seven of its eight sides; a small cross is inscribed on the eighth face. The middle step is inscribed with the names of the fallen, and the lower section is 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 of the grief felt at this great loss.
One such memorial was raised at Whimple, within the churchyard, as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by 22 members of the local community who lost their lives during the First World War. Contemporary newspapers report that the design was based on an ancient cross in the churchyard at Harpford a village to the south-east. The memorial was unveiled on Sunday 21 March 1920 and dedicated by the Dean of Exeter.
The names of the parishioners who fell during the Second World War were subsequently added to the memorial.
Reasons for Listing
Whimple 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 this community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20.
Architectural interest:
* as a thoughtfully-designed and simple memorial in the form of a Latin cross.
Group value:
* it groups well with a number of listed buildings in The Square and also the Church of St Mary (Grade II*).
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
Churches: An Architectural Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
ENGLAND GUIDE TO POST WAR LISTED: A Guide to Post-war Listed Buildings
Department for Communities Listed Historic Buildings of Northern Ireland: Information Guide for the 2nd Survey of Historic Buildings
Gloucestershire 2: The Vale and The Forest of Dean: Vale and Forest of Dean Pt. 2 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
The green guide for historic buildings: how to improve the environmental performance of listed and historic buildings
Northamptonshire: Buildings of England Series (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)