Summary

First World War memorial, unveiled on 2 October 1921.

Description

First World War memorial, unveiled on 2 October 1921.

MATERIALS: rough-hewn granite.

DESCRIPTION: the memorial is located near the lychgate within the churchyard of the Church of St Edith, and it comprises a c 2.7m high obelisk mounted on a plinth and three-stepped base.

The inscription in black lead letters is on the front face of the plinth on a polished smooth recessed panel and it reads IN MEMORY OF/ THE MEN OF GRIMOLDBY/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES/ IN THE GREAT WAR,/ 1914 – 1918./ (NAMES)

On the front face of the base is inscribed "THEY WERE A WALL UNTO US, BOTH BY NIGHT AND DAY"/ 1 SAM. XXV.

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, both as a result of the huge impact the loss of three quarters of a million British lives had on communities and 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 at Grimoldby as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.

The obelisk was supplied by Messrs Mawer Bros, monumental masons of Louth, and cost about £90 raised by public subscription.

On Sunday 2 October 1921 a large gathering of villagers and local dignitaries attended a short memorial service conducted by the Reverend Alfred John Holden (Rector), after which the unveiling ceremony was performed by Major Sydney Hugh Jackson of the RFA who lived at Louth. In his speech Major Jackson spoke of the sacrifices made during the war. He understood that thirty-four men and two nurses had left the village and the memorial was built to honour the ten who did not return.

Reasons for Listing

Grimoldby War Memorial 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 First World War;
* Architectural interest: a simple yet dignified granite obelisk;
* Group value: with the Church of St Edith (Grade I) and a medieval and later cross (Grade II and a scheduled monument).

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q66478237

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

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  Lancashire: Liverpool and the South-West (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
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  Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
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  Bristol (Pevsner Architectural Guides: City Guides)