Summary
First World War stone Celtic cross war memorial with later Second World War additions.
Description
First World War stone Celtic cross war memorial with later Second World War additions.
Materials: stone.
Description: tall stone Celtic cross. This stands atop a three-step base on a trapezoidal plinth upon a stone platform. The front face of the middle step bears the inscription: TO THE GLORY OF GO. The front face of the plinth is inscribed: THIS MONUMENT IS ERECTED / IN PROUD AND LOVING MEMORY OF THE MEN FROM THIS PARISH / WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 - 1918 / (names, in three columns). The back face reads: AND OF THOSE WHO GAVE / THEIR LIVES IN / THE SECOND WORLD WAR 1939-1945/ (NAMES) / KOREA 1951 / (NAME).
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 in Harlington, in the grounds of St Peter and St Paul Church as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. It was designed by Charles Oldrid Scott and erected in 1920. Additional inscriptions were added after the Second World War and again after the Korean War to honour the Fallen of those conflicts.
Reasons for Listing
Harlington War Memorial is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
Architectural interest:
* As an attractive and imposing stone Celtic cross war memorial.
Historic interest:
* As an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifices they made in the conflicts of the C20.
* Group value: with the Grade I listed St Peter and St Paul Church and Grade II listed Church walls and Monument to William and Elizabeth Brookes.
External Links
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
Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover
Listed Buildings: The Law and Practice of History Buildings, Ancient Monuments and Conservation Areas
Northamptonshire: Buildings of England Series (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Wiltshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Listed Buildings and Other Heritage Assets
Nottinghamshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)