Summary

First World War memorial, unveiled and dedicated in 1921, with a Second World War addition.

Description

First World War memorial, unveiled and dedicated in 1921, with a Second World War addition.

MATERIALS: of Portland stone.

PLAN: it is square on plan.

DESCRIPTION: the memorial stands on Town Green and faces south-east. It comprises a three-step base, a square plinth and an obelisk surmounted by a Latin cross. The south-east face of the obelisk is inscribed with the First World War dedication which reads 'IN MEMORY OF / THE GLORIOUS / SACRIFICE / OF THE MEN OF / WITHERSFIELD / WHO FELL IN / THE GREAT WAR / 1914 - 1919'. Inscribed on the south-east, north-east and south-west faces of the plinth are the names of the men who died. The top step of the base is inscribed 'LET THOSE THAT COME AFTER / SEE THEIR NAMES BE NOT FORGOTTEN' while the second step is inscribed '1939 - 1945' with a single name below.

The gravel enclosure within which the memorial stands, along with the concrete kerb stones, are excluded from the listing.

This List entry has been amended to add the source for War Memorials Online. This source was not used in the compilation of this List entry but is added here as a guide for further reading, 13 January 2017.

History

The aftermath of the First World War saw the biggest wave of public commemoration ever with tens of thousands of memorials erected across England. One such memorial was unveiled and dedicated on 12th August 1921 at Withersfield village green to commemorate the 15 local men who died during the conflict. It was sculpted by Mr E C Green, dedicated by Rev W G Hodges and unveiled by Lieutenant H Lake. Following the Second World War a further name was added to honour a local man who fought and died during this conflict.

Reasons for Listing

Withersfield War Memorial, unveiled and dedicated in 1921, with a Second World War addition, 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 sacrifices it has made in the conflicts of the C20;

* Design interest: as an accomplished and well-realised war memorial which takes the form of a granite obelisk;

* Group value: it has a strong group value with the Church of St Mary and The Rectory, both listed Grade II*.

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q26677987

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: Sheffield and the South (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Churches: An Architectural Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
• 
  Development and Design of Heritage Sensitive Sites: Strategies for Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
• 
  Oxfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Harrow on the Hill: A photographic portrayal of listed buildings and structures (Historic Buildings Picture Guides)
• 
  Wiltshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)