Summary
First World War memorial cross, c1920.
Description
First World War memorial cross, c1920.
MATERIALS: constructed from granite.
DESCRIPTION: a roughly-hewn Celtic cross on a tapering square shaft and plinth with a stepped base. There are indented, polished panels on the north, east and west faces of the plinth, inscribed with applied lead lettering; the north states ERECTED BY THE / INHABITANTS OF BRANSGORE / TO THE MEMORY OF / THOSE MEN OF THE PARISH / WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES / FOR THEIR FRIENDS / IN THE GREAT WAR 1914-18. / “THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE” / ALSO THOSE WHO MADE THE GREAT / SACRIFICE IN THE 1939-1945 WAR. The panels on either side are inscribed with the names of the 23 fallen soldiers, and the base step bears the names of those who died in the Second World War.
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.
The memorial at Bransgore is one such example, which was raised as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by those who lost their lives in the conflict. In common with other First World War memorials, it was added to following the Second World War.
Reasons for Listing
The Bransgore War Memorial, c1920, 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 community, and the sacrifices it has made in the conflicts of the C20.
Architectural interest:
* it is a dignified design, well-executed construction which survives well.
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.
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