Summary
A First World War memorial from around 1920, altered following the Second World War.
Description
A First World War memorial from around 1920, altered following the Second World War.
MATERIALS: the memorial is constructed of timber with a stone base.
DETAILS: the memorial stands in a prominent position beside one of the entrances to the churchyard, close to the Church of St Michael and All Angels (Grade II*).
The memorial comprises a wooden hooded Calvary cross with a figure of Christ on a three-stepped stone base. The cross stands in front of a stone wall which bears the inscriptions.
The main inscription on the wall behind the cross reads: (in raised lettering) + TO THE GLORY OF GOD/ AND IN MEMORY OF THE/ MEN OF THIS PARISH WHO/ DIED IN THE GREAT WAR/(in incised lettering) (NAMES)/ 1939–1945 (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, therefore the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss.
One such memorial was raised at Winforton as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by nine members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.
The name of one parishioner who fell during the Second World War was added to the memorial after that conflict.
Reasons for Listing
Winforton 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 conflicts of the C20.
Architectural interest:
* as a dignified and sombre monument, well made and with good detailing.
* Group value: with the Grade II* listed Church of St Michael.
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
Oxfordshire: North and West (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
[(Bedfordshire, Huntingdon and Peterborough)] [By (author) Nikolaus Pevsner] published on (January, 1968)
Churches: An Architectural Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
Gwent/Monmouthshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Wales)
Norfolk 1: Norwich and North-East: Norwich and North-east v. 1 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover