Summary
First World War memorial, 1920, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Bartley Green War Memorial, which stands on the green at the junction of Romsley Road and Field Lane, 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;
* Architectural interest: a simple yet dignified granite Celtic cross.
History
Bartley Green War Memorial was unveiled on 11 July 1920 (erected through public donations). The memorial was dedicated by the Right Reverend JH Wakefield, Lord Bishop of Birmingham. The memorial stood originally in the churchyard on the corner of Field Lane and Genners Lane. When the church was relocated in 1964 the memorial was also moved c400m to its present location. In June 2005 the memorial cross was renovated: the paving was added. Two names were added to the memorial in 2008. Further paving was laid in 2011 and a flagpole erected in 2012.
Details
The memorial stands in a paved area to the south of the Avenue of Memory. It comprises a rough-hewn granite Celtic cross with a tall shaft set on a tapering plinth. The southern face of the shaft is decorated with a small wreath, painted green, and at its foot bears an inscription in black painted letters reading TO THE/ GLORY OF GOD/ AND IN MEMORY/ OF THE MEN OF/ THIS DISTRICT/ WHO GAVE THEIR/ LIVES IN THE/ GREAT WAR,/ 1914-1919,/ AND THAT/ OF/ 1939-1945. The southern, western and eastern faces of the plinth bear the names of the fallen in black lead letters.
End of official list entry
