Summary
A First World War memorial, erected in about 1920.
Description
A First World War memorial, erected in about 1920.
MATERIALS
Stone.
DESCRIPTION
The memorial comprises a Latin cross with cusped arms on a gently tapering octagonal shaft, standing on a substantial tapering square-section plinth, on a single-stepped platform.
The main inscription reads: THIS MEMORIAL CROSS/ WAS ERECTED BY/ THE PARISHIONERS/ IN SORROW AND PRIDE/ A GRATEFUL TRIBUTE TO/ (2 NAMES)/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES/ IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914–1919.
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 Birley as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by two members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.
Reasons for Listing
Birley 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 church’s community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20.
Architectural interest:
* for its design, a well-executed stone cross with good inscriptions.
Group value:
* with the Church of St Peter (Grade I), in whose churchyard it stands.
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
Gloucestershire 2: The Vale and The Forest of Dean: Vale and Forest of Dean Pt. 2 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Listed Buildings: The Law and Practice of History Buildings, Ancient Monuments and Conservation Areas
For the Record
London 1: The City of London: City of London v. 1 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Bristol (Pevsner Architectural Guides: City Guides)
Harrow on the Hill: A photographic portrayal of listed buildings and structures (Historic Buildings Picture Guides)