Summary
First World War memorial. Erected 1920.
Reasons for Designation
The First World War Memorial at St Michael’s Church, Camden Town, of 1920, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
* Historic interest: as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Design: an elegant and well-crafted memorial formed of a crucifix set upon the foliage capital of a tapering shaft and an octagonal pedestal;
* Group value: with the Grade II* listed St Michael’s Church.
History
The aftermath of the First World War saw a huge wave of public commemoration with tens of thousands of memorials erected across the country. One such memorial was erected in 1920 to commemorate residents of Camden who died during the conflict. The sculptor Clement William Jewitt, a former choirboy at St Michael’s Church, was selected to design the war memorial in April 1920. He was assisted by C J Marston. Jewitt also executed the war memorial outside Holy Cross Church, King's Cross, and St Michael's Church (now the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Cross and St Michael), Golders Green. He put forward two designs at Camden Town; one for a crucifix on the external west wall of the church, and another for a crucifix mounted on steps adjacent to the church. After discussion, the latter was chosen at a cost of £290. It was shown on the cover of the Parish Magazine in an effort to raise donations. A final appeal stated ‘we are sure that… as the years go on our Calvary…will appeal and fortify and console those who see it: and that in their inmost hearts they will bless those…in whose memory it was erected’. A dedication service was held on 3rd October 1920, which began with the hymn ‘When I survey the Wonderous Cross’, and included an address by the vicar, the unveiling of the memorial from beneath a Union Jack, a dedication, roll of honour and the sounding of the Last Post. Wreaths were laid at the memorial by the Lads’ Brigade, the Day School pupils, and the Girls’ Club.
Details
First World War memorial. Erected in 1920 to the design of Clement William Jewitt.
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