Summary
First World War memorial by FW Doyle-Jones, 1924, with later additions.
Reasons for Designation
Gillingham War Memorial, which stands at the junction of Brompton Road and Mill Road, 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: an elegant memorial by noted sculptor FW Doyle-Jones.
History
The war memorial in Gillingham was unveiled on 20 July 1924 by Alderman WH Griffin JP and was dedicated by Right Reverend Harmer, the Bishop of Rochester. It was erected to commemorate those residents of Gillingham who lost their lives in the First World War. Later inscriptions were added to commemorate Second World War and Korean War losses. It originally stood on a roundabout at the junction of High Street, Mill Road, Brompton Road and Marlborough Road but was later moved c20m across the road to Medway Park. This roundabout included a contemporary arrangement of lamp standards and an encircling chain carried on low posts: these features were not retained.
Details
DESCRIPTION: The memorial is a tall four-sided stone pylon with stepped detailing to the top, standing on a two-stage, square, pedestal. That stands on a two-stepped, square, base. The memorial stands in a square paved area surrounded by a chain carried on low bollards.
End of official list entry
