Summary
First World War memorial in Windmill Hill Gardens. Unveiled in 1922, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Gravesend War Memorial, unveiled in 1922, 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 memorial surmounted by a fine bronze statue of a winged Victory;
* Historic Association: with another well-executed and listed First World War memorial in nearby Northfleet, also by sculptor Francis W Doyle Jones (Bevan's War Memorial NHLE 1391662).
History
The memorial was unveiled by General Lord Horne in a ceremony on 11 January 1922 which was also attended by the Bishop of Rochester. The sculptor was Francis W Doyle Jones who was responsible for numerous other war memorials including nearby memorials in Gillingham and Northfleet. Doyle Jones' impressive Northfleet Art Deco war memorial being for the employees of the Bevan's Cement Works who lost their lives in the First World War.
Details
The memorial stands within the Windmill Hill Conservation Area in Windmill Hill Gardens in the centre of a landscaped circular garden. Paths lead to all four faces, with four steps leading up to the front and three steps leading away from the back. The memorial consists of a bronze statue of a winged Victory holding out a laurel wreath in her right hand, standing on a tall square granite plinth standing on a larger square granite plinth, standing on a square two-stepped base.
End of official list entry
