Summary

First World War memorial, with later additions for the Second World War.

Description

The tall stone memorial is located at the northern-most end of Pelsall Common. On the top stands a granite cross with a square type of wheel-head rising from a slender octagonal shaft, supported by an octagonal plinth. That stands on a four-stepped, octagonal, base. Bronze plaques on four side of the plinth carry the First World War inscriptions and names.

The principal dedicatory inscription reads 1914-1919/ REMEMBER WITH/ THANKSGIVING/ THE TRUE & FAITHFUL MEN/ WHO IN THESE YEARS OF WAR/ WENT FORTH FROM THIS/ PLACE/ FOR GOD AND THE RIGHT/ THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO/ RETURNED NOT AGAIN ARE/ HERE INSCRIBED TO BE/ HONOURED FOR EVERMORE/ FOR I SENT YOU OUT WITH/ MOURNING & WEEPING BUT GOD/ WILL GIVE YOU TO ME AGAIN/ WITH JOY & GLADNESS FOR/ EVER.

The names of commemorated servicemen who died during the First World War are listed on three plaques. The fifth bronze plaque, recording 18 men and one woman who died during the Second World War, reads 1939 – 1945 (19 NAMES) and is set into the ground close to the memorial cross, beside which are three stone tablets recording a further 60 names.

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, 17 January 2017.

History

Pelsall Memorial Cross was built by monumental masons Messrs J White and sons, who were also responsible for several other war memorials including those at Shirley, Halifax, the Grade II-listed obelisk to the Meriden Cyclists, and the Belgian Exiles tablet in Birmingham Council house. Erected to commemorate local servicemen who died during the First World War, the site of the memorial cost £298. Following the Second World War additions were made to commemorate those who died in that conflict.

Reasons for Listing

Pelsall Memorial Cross, standing on Pelsall Common, 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 local community, and the sacrifice it has made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: a tall and elegant memorial cross.

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q26678019

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

• 
  The green guide for historic buildings: how to improve the environmental performance of listed and historic buildings
• 
  Pioneers of Modern Design: From William Morris to Walter Gropius (Penguin Art & Architecture)
• 
  Huddersfield in 50 Buildings
• 
  Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Monuments
• 
  Setting up a Listed Building Heritage Partnership Agreement: Historic England Advice Note 5
• 
  Wiltshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)