Summary
A First World War memorial, dating from 1920; designed by Fred E Openshaw, architect and made by Harry Hems and Sons of Exeter.
Reasons for Designation
The war memorial at St Andrew’s Church in Cheddar 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;
* Design interest: a well-executed stone memorial, of unusually elaborate form, resembling a medieval preaching cross with extensive carving;
* Group value: with the Grade I listed Church of St Andrew, at the centre of whose Garden of Remembrance the war memorial stands.
History
The war memorial at the Church of St Andrew in Cheddar was dedicated and unveiled in June 1920, as part of the great wave of commemoration of the sacrifice made by the fallen from communities across the country. The memorial was set up at the instigation of Rev J N Wallis, the vicar of St Andrew’s. The memorial was designed by Fred E Openshaw, an architect practicing in Oxford, and carved by Harry Hems and Sons, a prolific and recognised firm of sculptors. The form replicates a medieval preaching cross. The memorial in the churchyard of the Church of St Andrew is one of two First World War memorials set up in the town; the other is a more conventional cross, set at a major road junction, which also serves as the Second World War memorial (Listed Grade II).
Details
A First World War memorial, dating from 1920; designed by Fred E Openshaw, architect and made by Harry Hems and Sons of Exeter.
Sources
Websites https://www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/221353 http://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/24723 Other
Legal
This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.
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