Summary
First World War memorial, 1921, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Acle War Memorial, situated in the churchyard of the Church of St Edmund, 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 has made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Group Value: with the Grade I-listed Church of St Edmund.
History
Acle War Memorial was unveiled on 18 December 1921 by two orphaned boys, the sons of Edward Cushion and Owen Waters who were killed on the Western Front. Erected to commemorate the 28 local servicemen who died fighting during the First World War, later additions were made for the Second World War. Originally a path led from the roadway to the memorial, controlled by a kissing gate. In 1995 a flight of steps, including metal handrails, was installed by the Parish Council, marking the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Details
The memorial stands in the south-eastern corner of the churchyard of the Church of St Edmund (Grade I-listed). The elevated position overlooks Norwich Road. Built of granite, it consists of a budded Latin cross rising from an octagonal shaft carved with Gothic decoration at the top and base. The shaft stands on an octagonal plinth with a moulded foot. The plinth is on a low step, in a raised, kerbed square filled with gravel. Brick steps surfaced with tactile paving slabs connect the memorial to the pavement of Norwich Road.
End of official list entry
