Summary
First World War memorial, 1919, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Benson War Memorial, situated at the junction of Church Road and Oxford Road, 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 sacrifice it has made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Design: a well-executed Celtic cross with carved interlace decoration;
* Group value: with The Old Vicarage (Grade II-listed).
History
The memorial was paid for by public subscription and erected in 1919. The names of servicemen from the parish who died fighting during the Second World War were added at a later date. In 2005 the memorial’s lettering was re-painted and the kerb around the triangle of ground on which the memorial stands was raised, funded by War Memorials Trust.
Details
Benson War Memorial stands in a small triangle at the junction of Church Road and Oxford Road, in a prominent position at the centre of the village. Built of Cornish granite, it comprises a wheel-head cross decorated on both sides with interlace patterns carved in relief. The cross head rises from a plain shaft, which stands on a tapering plinth. The plinth stands on a three-stepped square base.
End of official list entry
