Summary
A war memorial cross of around 1920 or 1921 date, constructed of rough-hewn granite.
Description
A war memorial of around 1920 or 1921 date.
MATERIALS: constructed of Devon granite.
DESCRIPTION: comprising a rough-hewn Latin cross with a tapering square shaft with a three-stepped base. The main inscription in leaded lettering on the middle step of the base reads: IN MEMORY OF THE HEROIC DEAD, WHO FELL/ IN THE GREAT WAR 1914-1919./ THEIR NAMES ARE INSCRIBED IN THE CHURCH.
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.
One such memorial was raised at Spreyton as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. It was supplied by Mr JT Miller of Okehampton. The memorial was unveiled on Sunday 9 January 1921 by the Right Honourable George Lambert MP, parishioner of Spreyton.
The memorial stands in a prominent position beside the entrance to the churchyard, close to the Church of St Michael (Grade II) and within the same churchyard as several tomb chests, headstones and memorials (Grade II).
Reasons for Listing
Spreyton War Memorial is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
Historic interest:
* it is 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:
* it is a well-crafted war memorial in the form of a granite Latin cross.
Group value:
* it has group value with the Grade II listed Church of St Michael, and tombs and headstones in the churchyard (also listed at 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
Yorkshire West Riding: Leeds, Bradford and the North (Pevsner Architectural Guides / Buildings of England)
Bedfordshire, Huntingdonshire, and Peterborough (Pevsner Architectural Guides): Written by Charles O'Brien, 2014 Edition, Publisher: Yale University Press [Hardcover]
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Warwickshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover
A Buying and Owning a Listed Building: A Brief Guide