Summary
First World War memorial, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Stopham War Memorial, which stands on the village green, 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 sacrifices it has made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: an elegant cross in the medieval style;
* Group value: with the Parish Church of St Mary (Grade I) and other buildings on the green listed at 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 the country. This was the result of both the huge impact on communities of the loss of three quarters of a million British lives, and also the official policy of not repatriating the dead: therefore the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss. One such memorial was raised at Stopham as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. It commemorates eight local servicemen who died: following the Second World War, a dedication was added to commemorate the four fallen of that conflict.
Details
MATERIALS: Midhurst stone.
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