Summary
War memorial, dedicated in 1920 by Sydney March. The names of the fallen of the Second World War have been added.
Reasons for Designation
Keston War Memorial, designed by the artist Sydney March and unveiled in 1920, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
* Historic interest: as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of a world events on this community, and the sacrifices it has made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: as an accomplished and well-realised war memorial in an unusual form by a noted artist.
History
The memorial, commemorating those from the village of Keston who fell in the First World War, was designed by the sculptor Sydney March and unveiled on 10 March 1920 by Major General Sir Arthur Lynden-Bell KCB. The names of the fallen from the Second World War were subsequently added. The semi-circular hedge to the rear of the memorial appears on the 1933 Ordnance Survey map and it is likely that both the hedge and two yew trees in front are original planting; they enclose the memorial and are very much a part of the design, their simple forms and dark colours providing a contrast to the white stone and bronze memorial.
Details
MATERIALS: Portland stone with bronze decoration and plaques.
End of official list entry
