Summary
First World War memorial, 1922, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
The war memorial outside the Church of St John the Evangelist, Blackheath, 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 cross in the medieval style;
* Group value: with the Church of St John the Evangelist (Grade II-listed).
History
The war memorial outside the Church of St John the Evangelist was unveiled on the afternoon of Saturday 11 November 1922 by Major-General E D Swinton CB DSO and dedicated by Reverend A C Macnutt, formerly vicar of St John’s. It was designed by architect Captain J B L Tolhurst and sculpted by Hoare and Sons of Shooter’s Hill Road, Blackheath. It was paid for by contributions from the local community, including members of Sunfields Memorial Wesleyan Church and the 2nd West Kent Company, Boys’ Brigade.
Details
The memorial stands to the east of the Church of St John the Evangelist (Grade II-listed). It comprises a circa 5.3m tall Portland stone cross with an ornamented Latin cross head rising from a tapering octagonal shaft. That stands on a small octagonal plinth. The plinth stands on a three-stepped, octagonal, base. The lowest step has a slight overhang for the laying of floral tributes.
End of official list entry
