Summary
First World War memorial, 1921, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Shaftesbury War Memorial, which stands on Park Walk, 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: a richly ornamented cross in the early medieval style;
* Group value: with Westminster Memorial Hospital, and the boundary wall enclosing the grounds of Abbey House on south and west sides with gate piers (all Grade II-listed), and with Shaftesbury Abbey (scheduled).
History
Shaftesbury War Memorial was unveiled by Lord Shaftesbury in October 1921, in memory of the 60 local men who lost their lives during the First World War. The design is based on the Eyam Cross (Derbyshire) (scheduled and Grade I-listed), and was positioned on Park Walk to provide unbroken views over the vale to the south. The memorial cost approximately £500 and was paid for through public subscription. The names of 16 local servicemen who fell in the Second World War were added at a later date. In 2013 a project was undertaken to clean and re-point the memorial with the help of grant aid from War Memorials Trust.
Details
MATERIALS: Chilmark stone cross, Hopton Wood stone panels.
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