Summary

First World War memorial, erected c1920, with later additions for the Second World War.

Description

First World War memorial, erected c1920, with later additions for the Second World War.

DESCRIPTION: the memorial is prominently situated beside the W gate into the churchyard. It is carved from granite and comprises a Celtic cross on a slightly-tapering shaft which has the Sword of Sacrifice carved in relief to its front (W) face. It is set into a rough-hewn, square plinth that stands on a stone base. The W face of the plinth bears the inscription in raised lettering TO THE GLORY OF GOD / AND IN HONOURED MEMORY / OF THE MEN OF THIS PARISH / WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR / 1914-1918 / (NAMES) / ERECTED BY THE PARISHIONERS OF BERKLEY. The inscription on the S face reads 1939-1945 / (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, 21 February 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, 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 erected just outside the churchyard of the Church of St Mary in Berkley, presumably in about 1920, as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by nine members of the local community who fell in the First World War. The names of the three men who lost their lives during the Second World War were added later.

Reasons for Listing

The war memorial at the entrance to the churchyard of the Church of St Mary in Berkley 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;
* Design: as a small, but well-executed memorial which takes the form of a Celtic cross and includes a carving of the Sword of Sacrifice;
* Group value: with the Church of St Mary (Grade II*) and a number of listed chest tombs (Grade II) within the churchyard.

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q66478477

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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