Summary
First World War memorial, unveiled 1920.
Reasons for Designation
Eaton Hastings War Memorial, which stands at Roadside Cottages, 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 First World War;
* Architectural interest: a simple yet poignant memorial obelisk in the Classical style;
* Group value: with the Grade II-listed 6 and 7 Lechlade Road, 8-11 Lechlade Road, and 12-14 Lechlade Road, and also Bell House.
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. 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 Eaton Hastings as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.
Details
The tall Portland stone memorial stands on War Memorial Green, a quadrangle formed by Roadside Cottages, a group of Grade II-listed buildings (6 and 7 Lechlade Road, 8-11 Lechlade Road, and 12-14 Lechlade Road) that are part of the Buscot and Coleshill Estates (National Trust). It takes the form of an obelisk, square on plan, standing on a square plinth and two-stepped base. The dedication and commemorated names were inscribed on the plinth. Now a metal plaque on the front face of the plinth records the principal dedicatory inscription, reading FOR GOD FOR RIGHT FOR LIBERTY/ IN MEMORY OF EATON HASTINGS MEN/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914 – 1918/ ROLL OF HONOUR/ (8 NAMES).
End of official list entry
