Summary
First World War memorial, 1920.
Reasons for Designation
The War Memorial at the Church of All Saints, Whitstable, which stands in the churchyard, 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 First World War;
* Architectural interest: an ornate lantern cross in the medieval style;
* Group value: with the Church of All Saints (Grade II*) and the Wynn Ellis Mausoleum (Grade II).
History
There are a number of war memorials in Whitstable, including two crosses. During 1918-19 there had been considerable local debate about the suitable form and location of a war memorial for the town, and difficulties raising sufficient funds for either a Cottage Hospital or a memorial cross. Nevertheless, a cross was raised by the town that stands on the High Street in front of Whitstable Library, unveiled on 7 April 1920. At the Church of All Saints, a tablet commemorating fallen parishioners erected inside on the north aisle wall and a lantern cross in the churchyard, carved by Harry Wood of Harbour Street, Whitstable, were dedicated by the Bishop of Croydon on 25 April 1920.
Details
The parish memorial cross stands in the churchyard of the Church of All Saints (Grade II*), close to the west end of the church and to the Wynn Ellis Mausoleum (Grade II). It takes the form of a tall lantern cross, in Portland stone. The lantern head is complex and ornate: a Latin cross with the figure of Christ crucified surmounts a domed octagonal lantern, pierced on four sides to allow a light to be lit inside the chamber. The four closed sides are decorated with carved shields bearing the IHS monogram.
End of official list entry
