Summary
First World War memorial, 1920, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Wicken War Memorial, standing in the churchyard to the east of the Church of St John the Evangelist, 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;
* Architectural interest: a well-executed stone lantern cross with the additional interest of the figures of a boy and girl to the plinth;
* Group value: with the Grade II*-listed Church of St John the Evangelist and a number of listed churchyard memorials.
History
The memorial to the men of Wicken who fell in the First World War was unveiled by the Rt Hon Lord Penrhyn on 2 March 1920. His eldest son is among those remembered along with two other members of the family. The Bishop of Buckingham dedicated the memorial. Following the Second World War an inscription was added to commemorate those who fell in that conflict.
Details
Wicken War Memorial stands close to the east end of the Grade II*-listed Church of St John the Evangelist. Of Derbyshire stone, it is a c 4m tall lantern cross with a bronze figure of Christ crucified in a niche in the front of the lantern. The cross shaft rises from a moulded plinth with a central tablet carrying the memorial inscription. This is flanked by the kneeling figures of a winged boy and girl, carved in low relief, representing future generations paying homage to the fallen. The inscription reads 1914-1918/ (21 NAMES)/ 1939-1945/ (3 NAMES)/ TO THE GLORY OF GOD/ AND IN GRATITUDE TO THOSE OF THIS VILLAGE/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR VICTORY. The stepped base of the memorial is constructed from stone taken from the Wicken estate. A small vase, inscribed BRITISH LEGION/ 1963, stands on the lower step.
End of official list entry
