Summary
First World War memorial, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Kinver War Memorial, which stands on Kinver Edge, 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 conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: a tall and imposing memorial obelisk in the Classical style.
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, which meant that the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss. One such memorial was raised at Kinver Edge as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by 44 members of the local community, who lost their lives in the First World War.
Details
The tall granite memorial stands on Kinver Edge (National Trust), c800m to the SW of the centre of Kinver village. It takes the form of an obelisk, square on plan, that rises from a pedestal. The pedestal stands on a stone step. The front face of the pedestal incorporates a small drinking fountain: above the simple water bowl the principal dedicatory inscription reads IN MEMORY OF THE MEN OF/ KINVER WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES/ IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 – 1919. The First World War names are listed on the sides of the pedestal. The front face of the obelisk is inscribed WORLD WAR/ 1939 – 1945/ (19 NAMES).
End of official list entry
