Summary
First World War memorial, 1920, with Second World War additions. It was designed by Mr HG Neville of Mildenhall.
Description
First World War memorial, 1920, with Second World War additions. It was designed by Mr HG Neville of Mildenhall.
MATERIALS: Portland stone.
DESCRIPTION: the memorial comprises an obelisk with a three-stepped square base, a large capital carved with sprigs of ivy and a pyramidal cap.
The main inscription is in incised lettering on the south face of the obelisk and reads: THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED IN / EVER GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE OF / THE MEN OF THIS PARISH WHO GAVE / THEIR LIVES FOR GOD AND KING FOR / RIGHT FOR FREEDOM AND FOR PEACE / IN THE GREAT WAR / 1914–1919 / [Names].
On the east face is the Second World War dedication which reads 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. 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 Higham in Sufffolk as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. Designed by Mr HG Neville of Mildenhall, the memorial was unveiled on 4 September 1920 by Mrs Bacheler Russell and dedicated by the Reverend D Barclay of Braintree. The cost of the memorial was met by public subscription. Additional funds were raised for its refurbishment in 1932.
Following the Second World War the names of four parishioners who fell during that conflict were added to the memorial.
Reasons for Listing
Higham War Memorial, erected in 1920 to a design by Mr HG Neville of Mildenhall, with Second World War additions, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
Historic interest:
* as an eloquent witness to the tragic impacts of world events on this community, and the sacrifices it made in the conflicts of the C20.
Architectural interest:
* as an accomplished and well-realised war memorial which takes the form of a simple obelisk atop a three-stepped square base.
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
Historic Environment Law: Planning, Listed Buildings, Monuments, Conservation Areas and Objects by Harwood, Richard (2012) Paperback
Kent: West and the Weald: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Historic Environment Law: Planning, Listed Buildings, Monuments, Conservation Areas and Objects, Supplement 2014
Bristol (Pevsner Architectural Guides: City Guides)
Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover
Hertfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)