Summary

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

Description

The memorial stands in a small enclosure defined by a low wall, at the junction of the A690 and Holy Well Lane, Helmington Row. It takes the form of a sandstone pillar, c3m tall. The pillar is finished with a corniced cap and stands on a three-stage base. The base is set on a low stone step. A low railing in front of the step enables wreaths to be secured in front of the foot of the memorial.

A wreath is carved in relief at the top of the pillar, on the front face. Below this the First World War names are recorded on a slightly raised panel. There are similar raised panels to either side of the pillar: that on the right records the Second World War names.

An inscription on the front face of the upper stage of the base reads “THEY DIED THAT WE MIGHT LIVE, MAY/ WE BE WORTHY OF THEIR SACRIFICE.” The dates 1914 – 1919 are carved in relief in a cartouche on the middle stage. The lower stage bears the principal inscription ERECTED IN GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE OF THE MEN/ OF HELMINGTON ROW AND SUNNYBROW/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR./ “THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE.”

This List entry has been amended to add sources for War Memorials Online and the War Memorials Register. These sources were not used in the compilation of this List entry but are added here as a guide for further reading, 10 November 2017.

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, which meant that the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss. One such memorial was raised as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by 70 local servicemen from Helmington Row and Sunnybrow who died in the First World War. Following the Second World War the names of 24 men who died in that conflict were added.

Reasons for Listing

Helmington Row and Sunnybrow War Memorial, which stands at the junction of the A690 and Holy Well Lane, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
* Historic interest: as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: an elegant memorial pillar in the Classical style;
* Group value: with the Former Schools, and Gate Piers, Gates, Walls And Railings In Front Of Former Schools (all Grade II-listed).

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q66477934

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.

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