Summary
First World War memorial, unveiled on 22 December 1921, with further names added after the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Bethersden War Memorial, unveiled on 22 December 1921, 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 community, and the sacrifices it has made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: a well-executed and striking granite memorial;
* Group value: with the Church of St Margaret (Grade I), Church Cottage, West View Laburnam and the George Public House, all listed Grade II.
History
The aftermath of the First World War saw the biggest single wave of public commemoration ever with tens of thousands of memorials erected across England, both as a result of the huge impact the loss of three quarters of a million British lives had on communities and the official policy of not repatriating the dead, which meant that the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss.
Details
MATERIALS: granite.
End of official list entry
