Summary
A First World War memorial dating from 1921, altered following the Second World War.
Description
A First World War memorial dating from 1921, altered following the Second World War.
MATERIALS: granite.
DESCRIPTION: the memorial takes the form of a plain Latin cross with chamfered edges. It has a tapering shaft and stands atop a square plinth with a three-stepped, octagonal base.
The plinth and base have plaques bearing the names of the fallen and with the inscription IN HONOURED MEMORY/ AND/ GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE/ OF 72 BRAVE MEN/ WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914-1918/ ASHBURTON DEDICATES THIS MONUMENT/ THE PATH OF DUTY WAS THE WAY TO GLORY/ (NAMES). A further plaque reads IN HONOURED MEMORY OF/ THOSE OF THIS TOWN/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN/ THE SECOND WORLD WAR 1939-45/ (NAMES).
The base of the memorial is bounded by low iron railings.
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. This meant that the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss. One such memorial was raised in Ashburton, as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.
The memorial was erected in 1921. It was altered following the Second World War to commemorate the fallen of that conflict.
Reasons for Listing
Ashburton 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:
* a dignified and sombre stone cross, neatly made and well-proportioned.
Group value
* it has good group value with other listed buildings nearby, including the Coach House, the K6 Telephone Kiosk, 85 East Street and Virginia House.
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 1: The Cotswolds: Cotswolds Pt. 1 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Norfolk 1: Norwich and North-East: Norwich and North-east v. 1 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Period Property Manual (New Ed)
Maintaining and Repairing Old Houses: A Guide to Conservation, Sustainability and Economy
London 4: North: North v. 4 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Drawing up a Local Listed Building Consent Order: Historic England Advice Note 6