Summary
A First World War memorial dating from 1919, altered following the Second World War.
Description
A First World War memorial dating from 1919, altered following the Second World War.
MATERIALS: the memorial is constructed of Clipsham stone.
DESCRIPTION: the memorial stands in the south-west corner of the churchyard of St Peter's Chuch. It stands at 16 feet tall and is a carved stone cross under a stone hood. This stands atop an hexagonal shaft which tapers towards the base where it is supported on a plinth which itself sits atop a three-stepped base. The plinth bears the inscriptions in incised lettering.
The inscription reads: A THANKOFFERING/ FOR VICTORY/ AND IN MEMORY/ OF THE BRAVE MEN/ FROM THIS PARISH/ WHO IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 - 1918/ GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR ENGLAND/ MAY THEY REST IN PEACE/ (NAMES)/ ALSO OF/ (NAMES)/ 1939 - 1945.
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. This meant that war memorials provided the main focus for the grief felt at this great loss. One such memorial was raised at Yaxham, as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.
The war memorial at Yaxham was designed by Mr WG Horseman of Southampton, and erected by Messrs Bowman and Sons of Stamford at a cost of £154. The memorial was located in a new extension to the churchyard, which was dedicated at the same time. This took place on Sunday 21 September 1919 and was conducted by the Bishop of Thetford.
The war memorial was altered following the Second World War to commemorate the losses of that conflict.
Reasons for Listing
Yaxham War Memorial is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
Architectural interest:
* the memorial is a dignified and sombre stone cross, neatly made and well-proportioned.
Historic interest:
* as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact on the local community of the events of the First World War.
Group value:
* it has strong group value with the Grade I listed Church of St Peter and the Grade II listed Table Tomb in the churchyard.
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
A Buying and Owning a Listed Building: A Brief Guide
Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover
Northamptonshire: Buildings of England Series (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Farrow & Ball How to Decorate: Transform your home with paint & paper
Old House Care and Repair
Yorkshire West Riding: Leeds, Bradford and the North (Pevsner Architectural Guides / Buildings of England)