Summary
First World War memorial, 1920, with later addition for the Second World War.
Description
First World War memorial, 1920, with later addition for the Second World War.
DESCRIPTION
The memorial is carved from Portland stone and comprises a small Celtic cross with a tall, square-sectioned plinth on a three-stepped base.
The main inscription, on the north face of the memorial, in incised lettering reads: (on plinth) IN LOVING MEMORY OF/ THE MEN OF THIS/ PARISH OF HINDERCLAY/ (NAMES); (on upper step of base) WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR/ COUNTRY IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914-1918; (on middle step of base) 1939-1945 (NAMES).
The railings which formerly enclosed the war memorial have been removed.
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 Hinderclay as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the 18 members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. It was unveiled on 20 June 1920 by Prince Frederick Duleep Singh, who had served in the Norfolk Yeomanry and lived nearby at Blo Norton Hall, and dedicated by Canon Sawbridge, Rural Dean of Thelnetham.
Following the Second World War, the names of the two who died during this conflict were added. The memorial was professionally cleaned in 2018.
Reasons for Listing
Hinderclay War Memorial within the churchyard of the Church of St Mary 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 local community, and the sacrifice it made in the First World War.
Architectural interest:
* it is a simple, yet elegant example of a Celtic cross.
Group value:
* with the Grade II listed Church of St Mary.
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
Surrey (The Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Churches: An Architectural Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
Development and Design of Heritage Sensitive Sites: Strategies for Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
Old House Care and Repair
Staffordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
London 6: Westminster (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England): Westminster v. 6