Summary

First World War memorial, unveiled on 16 November 1919, with further names added after the Second World War.

Description

MATERIALS: Portland stone, marble plaques.

DESCRIPTION: Finningham War Memorial comprises a tall Saxon cross on a tapering octagonal shaft surmounting a square plan plinth. It stands some 4.5m high.

The inscriptions are painted black onto white marble plaques placed on the front and side of the plinth. The inscription on the front reads: TO THE GLORY OF GOD / (NAMES). On the side of the plinth a dedication has been added to the fallen of the Second World War which reads: ALSO / TO THOSE WHO FELL / 1939 – 1945 / (NAMES).

The plinth is set upon a square two-stepped base and incised into the front faces of the steps are the following inscriptions: IN MEMORY / SACRED FOR ALL TIME TO THE / FINNINGHAM MEN / WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR A.D. 1914 – 1919 and on the lower step: GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS THAT / A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.

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, both as a result of the huge impact the loss of three quarters of a million British lives had on communities and 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 Finningham 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 built by Mr J Cooley and unveiled by Brigadier-General Lord Playfair on 16 November 1919. It commemorates 15 local servicemen who died during the First World War. Following the Second World War, a dedication was added to commemorate the two fallen of that conflict.

In 2014 the memorial was cleaned and the lettering restored with the help of grant aid from War Memorials Trust. Four low stone posts were placed at each corner connected by a chain link fence to protect the memorial.

Reasons for Listing

Finningham War Memorial, unveiled on 16 November 1919, 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: a simple yet striking memorial cross in Portland stone;
* Group value: with the Church of St Bartholomew (Grade I).

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q66477823

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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