Summary
First World War memorial, 1920.
Reasons for Designation
The war memorial standing to the south of St Giles’ Church, Rowley Regis, 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 First World War;
* Architectural interest: a well-proportioned and imposing memorial cross;
* Degree of survival: unusually, the memorial has not been adapted for Second World War commemoration, and thus retains its original design intent.
History
The war memorial at St Giles’ Church, sculpted by Joseph H Willetts, was unveiled on 4 September 1920. The ceremony was attended by the Archdeacon of Birmingham and Brigadier General WR Ludlow CB. It commemorates 99 local servicemen who died during the First World War. The memorial was re-dedicated in 2014 to mark the centenary of the start of that conflict, following restoration.
Details
The memorial is located to the south of St Giles’ Church, Rowley Regis. It takes the form of a stone wheel-head cross with a tapering shaft. A reversed sword is carved in low relief on the front face. The cross-shaft stands on a tapering plinth. That stands on a base of two rectangular stone steps, raised on a rectangular paved slab.
End of official list entry
