Summary
First World War memorial cross, unveiled 1920.
Description
The war memorial stands in a memorial enclosure on the south side of Main Street, approximately 85m to the west of the Church of St John the Baptist (Grade II*-listed). Numerous Grade II-listed buildings stand in the vicinity. It comprises an approximately 2m tall Portland stone cross. The wheel-head cross with a short cross shaft stands on a pedestal. The stem of the pedestal, octagonal in section, supports a small tapering block, square on plan, from which rises the cross. The pedestal stands on a two-stepped base.
The principal dedicatory inscription on a plate attached to the front face of the central block reads GRIMSTON WAR MEMORIAL/ (8 NAMES)/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914 – 1918.
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 at Grimston as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by eight members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. It was designed by the artist son of Mr Francis W Reckett (owner of the local estate). The memorial cross was one part of the scheme that also included erecting two identical brass plaques in the Parish Church and Wesleyan Church. The three memorials were dedicated during the same ceremony, led by Reverend Elgar Hicks. The cost of the whole scheme was met by public subscription. The memorial cross was unveiled on 7 April 1920 by Captain Reckitt, a nephew of Mr Francis Reckett.
Reasons for Listing
Grimston War Memorial, which stands on Main Street, 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:
* an unusual Portland stone war memorial cross which, having not been adapted for Second World War commemoration, retains its original design intent.
Group value:
* with the Church of St John the Baptist (Grade II*) and other nearby structures listed at Grade II.
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
Northumberland (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Herefordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
England's Post-War Listed Buildings
Gloucestershire 1: The Cotswolds: Cotswolds Pt. 1 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Sussex: West (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Historic Environment Law: Planning, Listed Buildings, Monuments, Conservation Areas and Objects by Harwood, Richard (2012) Paperback