Summary
A First World War memorial dating to 1919, with additions following the Second World War.
Description
A First World War memorial dating to 1919, with additions following the Second World War.
MATERIALS: the memorial is constructed of granite.
DESCRIPTION: the memorial is a 2.1m tall Celtic cross, decorated with relief-carved knotwork. It stands on a tapered four-sided plinth with square base beneath. An inscription on the south face of the plinth reads: TO THE GLORY OF GOD/ AND IN LOVING MEMORY OF/ (FIVE NAMES)/ BEING MEN OF BURGH WHO FELL IN/ THE WORLD'S GREAT WAR 1914-1919/ GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS/ THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS/
Below this on the chamfered top to the base an inscription has been added reading:
1939-1945 LEST WE FORGET/
Below that on the base: (THREE NAMES)
On the west face another inscription reads: 1914-1919/ LET US NEVER FORGET THAT/ EVERY MAN WHO SERVED IN/ THE GREAT WAR IS DESERVING/ OF OUR GRATITUDE/ ON THE BURGH ROLL OF HONOUR/ IN OUR CHURCH IS A LIST OF 49/ WHO SO SERVED
On the east face: LEST WE FORGET
On the north face: 1939-1945/ (THREE 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 Burgh as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the five members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. The names of the three parishioners who fell during the Second World War were subsequently added to the memorial.
The memorial is located on the north side of the junction of Drabbs Lane with the B1079 road, around 40m south-east of the Grade II* listed Church of St Botloph. The memorial was unveiled on 28 September 1919 by Revd Canon J W B Page. The stonemason was Mr A C Stephenson.
Reasons for Listing
Burgh War Memorial is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
Architectural Interest:
* as a good example of a stone Celtic cross with relief-carved decoration.
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
Group value:
* with the Grade II* listed Church of St Botolph.
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
Central Leinster: Kildare, Laois and Offaly (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Ireland)
Kent: North East and East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Harrow on the Hill: A photographic portrayal of listed buildings and structures (Historic Buildings Picture Guides)
The Victorian House Manual (2nd Edition): How They Were Built, Improvements & Refurbishment, Solutions to All Common Defects - Includes Relevant ... ... Properties (Haynes Manual) (Haynes Manuals)
Devon (Pevsner Buildings of England)
Hertfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)