Summary
Central Park war memorial, East Ham, is an elaborate Portland stone cenotaph which commemorates the men of East Ham who fell during the First World War.
Reasons for Designation
* Historic interest: as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by this community in the First World War, it is of strong historic and cultural significance both at a local and a national level;
* Design interest: it is a handsome monument which is impressive in its scale and quality of design.
History
The memorial in Central Park, East Ham, was erected in 1921 to commemorate the many men of East Ham who fell during the First World War. The memorial was designed by the architect Robert Banks-Martin, who was the mayor of East Ham during the war.
Details
The memorial stands in the south-east corner of Central Park. It is of Portland stone and takes the form of an elaborate cenotaph which stands on a three-stepped base; it is approximately 8 metres tall. The lower part of the monument is square in section, each face having a curved head topped with a faceted pinnacle. Above, four columns rise from the corners of the monument, linked at the head by round arches with pronounced keystones. From each of the keystones on the north and south sides hangs a bronze wreath. The monument is surmounted by a stone dome with a faceted pinnacle.
Sources
Books and journals Websites https://www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/111374 http://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/12324
Legal
This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.
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